Sneakers
Before they even show it in the cinemas, get a loadful from apple - trailers.
They are made to draw you into the cinemas. You will generally get two kinds of feelings. The good and the so-so. The former is a ... good sign and the latter is simply bad.
Rating the movie and its trailer can be very very different. Editing a movie is tough but editing for a trailer is ten-fold tougher. I see trailers as the shortest of short films. They can even be better than the movie itself. Much better.
(previously created on 8/10/04)
Screening on Monday, January 02, 2006
100 Comments:
ARE WE THERE YET?
The last scene made me laugh out loud. Is this HOME ALONE on a road trip? It looks fun to me.
Rating: B+
LEMONY SNICKET'S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS
Is that Cate Blanchett? Sure looks like her. Well. Got a feeling that if I like Tim Burton's movies, I will like it. Sure looks like it is directed by him. For me. The only reason is JIM CARREY? I think he is going to make me laugh and still convince me he is such an underrated actor.
Rating: B+
MEAN CREEK
The trailer doesn't seem to promise much. Those claims of official selection for this and that seem trying hard to impress. Loss of innocence? Another STAND BY ME? Kids killing kids? I somehow feel more intrigues by the last one. Sounds inspired by similar real events.
Rating: B-
BIRTH
Feels like OMEN to me. A bit of GHOST too. Nicole Kidman is still as beautiful and competent as an actress. For her alone? I think most likely I will pass unless many good reviews come along.
Rating: C+
BRIDGER JONES: THE EDGE OF REASON
I don't normally like sequels. But this one sure promises a lot of fun. The recording machine. The encounter in the library and that 'do you like my black skirt' line. Oh and that speaker phone scene too. I will give the trailer a low rating. It looks ordinary. But I believe the movie is much better.
Rating: C
Friday, October 08, 2004 11:25:00 PM
ALFIE
This trailer scores a first. The main character talks into the camera. We normally see that only in the movie itself, not the trailer. Something new but for the rest of the trailer, nothing seems remotely exciting.
Rating: D
I'LL SLEEP WHEN I'M DEAD
Oh, the British accent actually got me. Anything non-Hollywoord is welcome. But the story is not very exciting. One man vs. the untouchables? Not original. The trailer is as plain too. Like the title though.
Rating: C
THE MACHINIST
Christian Bale is going to be a huge character actor. Look at the extents he will go for a role. He has 'I'm gonna be an Oscar winner' written all over him. Like the title. Is it a mind-twisting thriller? Gathering from the trailer, sounds clever already.
Rating: B+
MARIA FULL OF GRACE
Social commentary tale. Small indie movie. Unknown cast of talents waiting to be discovered and lauded. In a foreign language with subtitles. I don't know about you. It sure hits all the right buttons in me. The trailer is not very well-made but it promises a movie which I may like alot.
Rating: C+
INFERNAL AFFAIRS
I got a feeling Hollywood will like this one but not the sequel. For me, it is the other way round. Critics do not really like sequels and Hollywood doesn't really like Asian films. I like how the film is promoted in this trailer. The voice-over captures the gist of a very good drama. Looks slick and well-acted. Andrew Lau venturing into Hollywood? It is just a matter of time.
Rating: A-
Sunday, October 10, 2004 9:39:00 AM
FAT ALBERT
So that is Fat Albert. I think I have seen the cartoon before a long long time ago. Should be one of my earlier exposure to American culture. Not keen to watch this movie but more keen to watch the cartoon again. Can they just stop making movies out of TV shows? They can never be better, let alone from a cartoon to a live-action feature. Like the trailer? Fat chance.
Rating: D
CRIMINAL
Ohhh... I like all the three leads but the story seems so-so only. A crime mentor and his disciple. A bit of romance and a heist? Can it any more original? I will see if there are any good reviews about the show. I know very well that charismatic leads may not always save a movie.
Rating: C
FIRST DAUGHTER
Hate the title. But I strangely have a good feeling about the show after watching this trailer. Katie Holmes is a young good actress. Some scenes and lines look promising. Is it another cute date movie? Of course. I just hope this one will care more for the characters like SERENDIPITY, THE NOTEBOOK etc.
Rating: B
Sunday, October 10, 2004 1:05:00 PM
LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE
A documentary on the blues. Star-studded. The names of the performers just keep flashing. Wow. I love it already. I love the idea of fusing lessons in movies. That is the reason why I like documentary films. Think they are the in-thing now in the movie sector. It is like reality show on TV. More of us want to see something as real as possible. Way to go.
Rating: B
BEING JULIA
A typical costume drama. Nothing seems exciting. Like Annette Bening but not really in this trailer. Feels so airy-fairy.
Rating: C
SURVIVNG CHRISTMAS
I never dislike Ben Affleck. I blame it on J. Lo, just like what Matt Damon sees it. He is talented no doubt and very much understated. He has the good looks and he is also a good actor. He never seems too eager to break into the mainstream given his good looks but on the other hand, Matt Damon is more eager but he doesn't have the leading man looks, too boyish looking.
Oh love the comedy and the story! A yuppie goes back to his childhood house to force the family staying there now to spend Christmas with him, reliving his childhood days. Something different and funny too. I am catching this.
Rating: B+
Saturday, October 30, 2004 10:08:00 AM
RAY
This has to be the Charlize-Theron performance of the year. An Oscar nom is a guarantee and if Jamie Foxx wins Best Actor, he will be the third black actor receiving top acting honours. Way to go, Jamie. If he doesn't win, he is one the way to making bigger bucks and bigger roles. It is a win-win situation. Is the biopic promising? Think it is standard stuff but hey, this is the Charlize-Theron performance of the year! Yup, saying it again.
TARNATION
Another documentary. 20 years in the making... by the director ... of his own life? Hollywood never fails to amaze me. The trailer seems to suggest that since young the director has been filming himself and his relationship with his mom. Promises heartwrenching moments already. A must-see for me. I am such a sucker for documentary films now and a very personal intitmate one somemore.
WITHOUT A PADDLE
For a moment, I thought Vincen Cassel is in a Hollywood comedy. It is that guy from Scooby-Doo. Looks very funny. Like that part when one of the guys says, "This will never leave the cave." Haaa.... Watching this? Nah. I hardly pay for cheap laughs.
Monday, November 01, 2004 10:17:00 PM
THE RING TWO
Yup. The sequel to that Hollywood remake of RINGU! (Can they just leave the dead dead?) A. Not bad at all the trailer. It is not really that scary but kind of creative and still surprises. The trailer begins with this long-haired woman cutting newspapers away and there is TV set. The voiceover goes on for most of the running lenght of the trailer. Quite the routine talk. It is coming back. This time they don't let them get you. Then the scene has a fade out leaving on the screen of the TV and then frame froze. You thought the trailer has stopped downloading, you know the buffering thing. And then a ghostly face jumps out and then scenes from the picture. Wow. How clever. It is made for poeple these days who go online to watch trailers. It is more of a teaser trailer but I wish they will keep it this way. For scary movies, they more you show they less scary they will be. Right not?
Rating: B+
TH SPONGEBOD SQUAREPANTS MOVIE
I always think the cartoon is kind of the dumb like maybe Teletubbies or Barney. But the trailer looks wacky and funny! I think children will like it and the adults will not feel it is too stupid to watch this too. Wait. It looks stupid but if it is very hilarious then we will all forgive that. Right not? Oh Check out the teaser trailer # 1. Very very clever and funny. Even better than the trailer.
Rating: B+
CARS
The trailer opens with a bumble bee flying over a field. Yup I thought it is another resplendent baby-friendly cartoon like A BUG'S LIFE. Well then it is just a cheeky take on cartoons. The rest of the trailer looks ordinary. This is bad. Racing cars? The adults who are racing cars fans will not be impressed and the kids will rather see GONE IN SIXTY SECONDS. But wait, it is directed by John Lasseter of the two TOY STORYs and A BUG'S LIFE. Maybe there will be something worth waiting for until ... NOV 2005.
Rating: F
Sunday, November 14, 2004 9:28:00 AM
Yeah. I agree the trailer for "Cars" look bad. In fact, I wonder how they're going to pull it off this time. I mean, just how interesting can racing cars be??
Sunday, November 14, 2004 11:40:00 AM
MR. AND MRS. SMITH
Coolest looking couple. Nicole Kidman was supposed to play Mrs. Smith and I would love to see her kick ass. But I think Angelina is equally good as she is sexy and 10 times more erotic. Like the story idea already. Husband and wife who do not know each other are spies. The action scenes remind me THE WAR OF THE ROSES. With more fun of course.
THE PINK PANTHER
The original is unfunny like hell. This one has the dream cast of Steve Martin and Kevin Kline. Still, smells like a letdown. Why not pair up Martin with Kline? It will be perfect! The slapstick antics look like they aim for cheap laughs. Hope I am wrong and not another unnecessary remake.
WAR OF THE WORLDS
The trailer is so talky. Annoying even. Looks like another SFX-laden sci-fi thriller, which happens to be Steven Spielberg's speciality. Doesn't sound bad at all. Just stop making movies like THE TERMINAL.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005 12:06:00 AM
SIN CITY
By Troublemakers Studios. Haaa... Looks very stylo. Big cast of cool actors too. Like the black-and-white cinematography. The car crash scene is a breakthrough. Hope the movie has a good story, if not I will just enjoy it like an eye candy.
Rating: B+
HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS
Have seen the movie. Just want to see how US is going to market this movie. Great trailer. A wise move just to let the marvellous special effects speak for themselves.
Rating: A-
NOBODY KNOWS (DAREMO SHIRANAI)
Have seen this movie too and also curious to see how the US trailer looks like. "Greatest adventure"? "Humour"? Why feature so many smiling faces? What a bad mispresentation of the movie! This is no coming-of-age cute story. I also notice something. Trailers of foreign films reply so much on comments from film critics. Hard-sell? I cannot blame them. Also, quit moving the family name around.
Rating: C
Tuesday, February 08, 2005 4:57:00 PM
MISS CONGENIALITY 2:ARMED AND FABULOUS
Another sequel? Not keen. The subtitle shows little sincerity too. Wait. The trailer one. A sad Miss Congeniality. The snorting. Pairing up with a new black woman partner milks more laughs too. Love the last line ("Not the groin!") and the loud snorts at the ending. Gee... these days sequels do not really mean bad business moves.
Rating: B
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
You want to bet? It is going to be very much welcomed at next year's Oscars. Tim Burton teaming up with Johnny Depp again (finally) in another family-entertaining fantasy escapade. Remember SLEEPY HOLLOW and EDWARD SCISSORHANDS are really good? Just hope that it is not another CAT IN THE HAT.
Rating: B+
DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN
I thought it is a pyschological thriller. Nope. It is WAITING TO EXHALE-inspired. Is that a guy cross-dressing up as an old granny? Why in this kind of movie. It is not so much of a comedy and above all, there is Eddie Murphy and only Eddie Murphy. I can feel bad vibes already.
Rating: D
Tuesday, February 08, 2005 5:35:00 PM
BATMAN RETURNS
Mark my words. Christian Bale will be a huge character star one day. I got this sentimental attachment to him. I will always remember him as the little boy in EMPIRE OF THE SUN. This movie is the only movie I watched with my younger brother. The trailer looks so normal but I got a feeling the movie is going to be good and serious. The cast is awesomet too. Just make Joel stays far far away from the Batman movies.
Rating: C
CINDERELLA MAN
The title suggests a romantic comedy. Nope. It is ROCKY in the Depression era. Wow, the trailer boasts so many Oscar winners. I am not a bit surprised if the movie is going to score a couple of Oscar noms next year this time. Am I looking forward to it? Just to the performances. The trailer promises a very very mundane story.
Rating: D+
KICKING AND SCREAMING
An apt title for a horror flick. Too bad it is for a what looks like an unfunny sports comedy. Will Farrell can do better than this. He and Chevy Chase should do a comedy together. Playing brothers? They look alike.
Rating: D-
Wednesday, February 09, 2005 12:02:00 AM
BATMAN BEGINS not RETURNS... BATMAN RETURNS is an elegantly black, sexy and well-acted Batman movie. My personal favourite.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005 12:07:00 AM
WATERMARKS
I simply adore documentaries. In fact, I believe any movie based on an true story should be made into a documentary. The authenticity is stronger. This one, from the trailer, seems to be about a group of closely knit Jewish female swimmers pursuing their passion in swimming to prove their worth in the Hilter era. The trailer is not impressive but the film itself should not disappoint. The intentions are already so noble.
Rating: D
THE JACKET
Such eerie promotional posters. Hope they speak for the thriller too. Hey, is the film title referring to the main character, Jack? I respect Keira for her turn in this movie, the heavy mascara makeup and the white trash image. JJL is in this movie too; she should be the one playing that role. Good thing that she may want stop playing white trash chick. The thriller smells like THE MACHINIST. It may intrigue you to the end but will leave you in a big ball of mess.
Rating: B
THE WEATHERMAN
The poster suggests a comedy. It is and it looks fun. The shots of all kinds of foods thrown at Nic Cage are funny. Hey, sorry. Is that hair transplant or a wig?
Rating: C-
Wednesday, February 09, 2005 10:39:00 AM
TIM BURTON'S CORPSE BRIDE
I am already trembling with excitement. Tim Burton plus horror comedy plus Johnny Depp plus the NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS animation. A shoo-in for Best Animated Feature?
Rating: B+
BE COOL
Cool? I prefer to call it BE FUNNY. Is this a sequel to GET SHORTY? Or PULP FICTION? Nevermind but I smell a fish. Sorry. A title like this with an ensemble cast like that seem trying to make up for a hollow story.
Rating: C (for Cool, whatever)
SWIMMING UPSTREAM
This movie has been floating around for so so long. This trailer should be the US version. The first half looks unchanged but the second half definitely looks more 'happening'. The version I saw gave me an indie movie feeling. Another damaged champion's story? I like it already. Tormented genuises. Not to mention satisfaction-guaranteed performances from Mr Rush and Ms Davis.
Rating: B
Wednesday, February 09, 2005 8:25:00 PM
FANTASTIC FOUR
Reminds me so much of X-MEM which I enjoy so much. I cannot recognise any of the leads. Good move. Make it a star-turning movie for them plus channel some of the big payroll to the SFX and sound effects departments, something the trailer has alot to show off.
Rating: B+
DUMA
Puma? Like the poster. Is it a children movie? I think so but I think they want to make it a bit darker to appeal to more people. I am an animal lover but I think this movie is trying to exploit our love for animals. It will draw people like me to the cinemas only to give us a schmaltzy uninspiring story.
Rating: D
THE NOMI SONG
It is a character which Tim Burton would be very interested in. A bit of Pee Wee. A bit of Marilyn Manson. A bit of Ed Wood. I may not be a big music fan and I do not know anything about this Klaus Nomi singer, (Is it a he or she?) but I am interested in twisted characters. By the way, it is a documentary. I have a thing for that too.
Rating: A-
Wednesday, February 09, 2005 8:51:00 PM
THE INTERPRETER
Love the all-black poster but love the cast more. Nicole Kidman with a new accent and Sean Penn in a less tormented role (remember MYSTIC RIVER, 21 GRAMS and I AM SAM?) Directed by Sydney Pollack? Long time no see him. Can he handle a thriller? Think so. The intrigue in the trailer is really really very promising.
Rating: A-
ALONE IN THE DARK
A perfect poster for anti-smoking campaign. It is TREMORS-meet-ALIENS. Alone? What an unsuitable title. There is this army of soldiers killing this army of that creature. Uninspired and formulaic.
Rating: F
GUNNER PALACE
The poster seems it is for a children action adventure film. It is a documentary ... (eyebrows raising) and set to be one of the best around, maybe even giving that Mr Moore's anti-Iraq war movie a run of its money. The palace in the title refers to the badly bombed palace of Saddam Hussein. There live these soldiers with nothing much to do and surely losing their faith in their so-called peace-loving nation-rebuilding mission. It is Vietnam war revisited. This is their side of the story, told from ground level. The trailer looks upbeat with the rock soundtrack but I bet the documentary is going to show us some really darker sadder truths.
Rating: A+
Wednesday, February 09, 2005 9:43:00 PM
MILLION DOLLAR BABY
A tender name for a tough movie. It seems like another sports drama. ROCKY with a female lead? I think there is more to it. Hilary Swank is a shoo-in for Best Actress. Her muscled back and her training routine from hell were featured in the Straits Times some time back. An Oscar nom just for that. I think not. All the main cast members are up for an Oscar, including Clint Eastwood. I think it is more out of respect for the man but I also think he is really good in this role.
Rating: C
FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX
This is a remake of the same-titled classic. Not keen to watch it already. It is unlikely the remake is better than the original, with a few exceptions like OCEAN'S ELEVEN. Well, I am slightly impressed by this trailer. Ok, I'll get real. I think I will like it as much as I enjoy CON AIR. Looks very entertaining, in a good sense.
Rating: B+
BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE
A bitch that smiles. Just kidding. The dog is so cute and her name is AnnaSophia Robb. I was grinning all the way watching the trailer even though I know it is going to be another BENJI-esque movie. Hey, I cannot be too harsh on pure family entertainment, not with a dog and a kid in it.
Rating: D+ (this is for the trailer, not the bitch)
Thursday, February 10, 2005 12:18:00 AM
THE WEDDING DATE
It is PRETTY WOMAN-inspired. The male lead is a gigolo rented by that bitch from ALONG CAME POLLY. Why her? Is she really that good to be given a female lead role so soon? The idea of having a gigolo as the wedding date sounds fun but I think the rest of the movie should be very predictable. You know. They will fall in love for real... yes yes much like PRETTY WOMAN.
Rating: D (D for date :P)
ICE PRINCESS
Lemme guess. Inspired by THE PRINCESS DIARIES? Plus that title. Can it not be any more original? Joan Cusack looks refreshing as a homeward-bound mother. Kim Cattrall is under-utilised in her first acting break from SATC. She is made for bigger movies, not this. The Ice Princess? She is a newcomer, looks pretty and anyone can play that role.
Rating: F
SAHARA
THE MUMMY without the mummy? The trailer looks so dull it is beyond redemption. That is all they can show? An action comedy without the laughs and the action. Ha!
Rating: F
Thursday, February 10, 2005 1:01:00 AM
THE WEDDING CRASHERS
Sounds fun already. Looks fun too. Smells like a gate-crashing comedy, bachelors celebrating singlehood, breaking hearts, bedding chicks, popping the champagne and partying real hard. I know Owen Wilson is funny but I didn't know Vince Vaughn can be funnier. Christopher Walken is there too! Tell me tell me tell me when can I come?
Rating: A-
THE GREEN BUTCHERS
A dark Danish comedy with a morbid taste in butchering? And what with the bleached trailer? I don't like to see too many cut up animals either.
Rating: D-
ASSISTED LIVING
Reminds me so much of THE BROTHERS McMULLEN. Apparently shot with a shoestring budget but the dialogue is rich with humour, wit and warmth. The director is Elliot Greenebaum and he is gonna be big someday. Just look the praises flashing throughout the trailer.
Rating: A-
Thursday, February 10, 2005 8:46:00 AM
HOUSE OF WAX
With Paris Hilton in the cast, this has to be a horror comedy. Haaa... just make sure we can see her nude body in wax. Half as good. Actually the trailer does look promising. And in the latest generation of remakes getting better than the originals, this could be ... a very good horror film.
Rating: B+
OFF THE MAP
Well... looks pretty much as empty as the vast lands in the background. The trailer says so little and all we see are flashes of praises. "Exquisite! Quietly devastating!" I think Campbell Scott is capable of making good movies. He has been well-liked by the critics. Hopefully this movie will live up to its heap of praises. And not reduced to dust and sand and all.
Rating: D
ZATHURA
My goodness. Another JUMANJI? Yes, they come from the same author and damn the author for using the same idea twice. Looks good? Not a chance in the galaxy. A trailer this dull and can only show off the meteor shower in the living room spell disaster. Unimaginative. Uncreative.
Rating: F
Wednesday, March 16, 2005 12:20:00 AM
THE UPSIDE OF ANGER
Love the title. It stars Joan Allen and Kevin Costner. Yucks. That whale who still thinks he is all masculine charming? Well, the critics are on his side this time. Not bad really after watching the trailer. Costner doing a love comedy and I think he'll make it. Have a good feeling about the love story too. Two angry people angry about life falling in love and redeeming each other. Sounds good. Feels good. Oh, I think Joan Allen's four daugthers will add more fun to this middle-aged love comedy. Namely TRAFFIC's Erika Christensen, THIRTEEN's Evan Rachel Wood, FELICITY's Keri Russell and Alicia Witt.
Rating: B+
FEVER PITCH
Saw the '97 original starring a pre-BJ's Diary Colin Firth. Had hardly any impression. Never a soccer fan so I was lost among the inferences. Well, this one looks more accessible. Love the part when Drew Barrymore says, "It's only a game." in a roomful of baseball fans who just stopped and glared at her. Love the closing scene too when Drew Barrymore gets hit by a ball and faints but Jimmy Fallon ignores her and rejoices over the score. The rest of the trailer? Nothing much. Looks like a boring love comedy.
Rating: C-
PALINDROMES
I know this one. I know this one. Words or phrases which when spelt backwards give you the same thing. That is another thing. I am more than happy to see that Todd Solondz has a new movie. Like WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE and love HAPPINESS. STORYTELLING, made in 2001, did not come to local screens. This one looks uncomprising too. I am sure it is going to be another heartbreaking dramatic shocker even though the trailer promises it's about love and compassion. Can't wait to see it. Strangely, I feel that I have to be mentally prepared for this movie, like anticipating a horror film. Todd Solondz's movies are never easy to sit through.
Rating: A-
Thursday, March 17, 2005 12:25:00 AM
POOH'S HEFFALUMP MOVIE
Just saw THE TIGGER MOVIE the other day. The new member, the titular elephant looks so so so cute. Let's hope it doesn't feel like another extended episode of WINNIE THE POOH. But from the trailer, I think it will be lor. Cannot upset the fan base too much mah. No excuse that they may be even be aged three and below.
Rating: C
THE HOLY GIRL (LA NINA SANTA)
Doesn't tell much from the trailer. What kind of story it is? What does the last line in the trailer mean?! "Sometimes the desire to do good and lead to tempataion." Produced by Pedro Almodovar and his brother. Double the dosage of weirdness and perversion? Pass, pass, pass.
Rating: D
MONSTER-IN-LAW
J. Lo and Jane Fonda. Weird combination. Both can't do slapstick comedy. Doesn't look funny at all. Smells like a bomb.
Rating: D
Saturday, March 19, 2005 10:15:00 PM
RED EYE
Wow! This is one of the most deceiving trailer also the most intriguing! It deceives you by trying to trick you into thinking it is another meet-cute romance until you see the red eye. A bad case of eye infection. From the director of Wes Craven, what do you think? I desperately want to know what is the movie all about.
Rating: A+
NIGHT WATCH (NOCHNOY DOZOR)
OMG. The trailer presents a series of mind-blowing nightmarish images. Totally spine-chilling and absolutely disturbing. What is it all about? This is only part one of the Russian horror trilogy. Already looks it is going to be the LOTR-version of a well-respected horror trilogy.
Rating: A+
Friday, April 08, 2005 11:35:00 PM
THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELLING PANTS
My teacher colleague recommended this book to the students during the weekly share-a-book session in the assembly. Have not heard of the book and now there is a movie adapted from it. Think I will like it. All the four young female leads are totally fresh but rather credible in acting already, at least judging from the trailer. Their four stories also promise alot of drama, hopefully they are well told.
Rating: B
STEPHEN TOBOLOWSKY'S BIRTHDAY PARTY
The trailer is scantily made up of a interviewer asking many folks whether they know Stephen Tobolowsky. All says no and then they are made to guess who he is. One says he is the interviewer himself. Is she right? Well. I am very curious and I want to goggle the name already. The trailer may intrigue me but still I think it is badly put together.
Rating: D
DARK WATER
I don't really fancy the Japanese original. This one reminds me so much of the Hollywood remake of RINGU. Like THE RING, I suspect it will be given a decent Hollywood treatment with some improvements to the story but at the end of the day, it will most likely end up not making much of a splash.
Rating: B-
Sunday, April 10, 2005 6:15:00 PM
THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY
Love the trailer. It plays like a guide to movie trailers informing that they always start with an introduction of the character(s), then something so bizzare happened that it has to be made into a movie, then there is always a deep deep voiceover, then a promise of a love interest and then a montage of the film's highlights. Cute! Now I am wondering is the movie is going to be as cute as the trailer? Looks like an entertaining sci-fi comedy made for kids.
Rating: A+
THE MAN WHO COPIED
... money notes. From an ordinary photostating machine? A critics' darling and a foreign indie. My cup of tea. The trailer seems Hollywood-ised, making it feels like just another movie trailer. Think the movie should be less ordinary.
Rating: C-
BEWITCHED
I think any movie with Will Ferrell should be a hoot. Nicole Kidman playing a witch again. She did that in PRACTICAL MAGIC. Looks fun to watch and let's hope it is not another forgettable comedy. Well if all things fail, it is still worth watching for Will's antics.
Rating: C
Sunday, April 17, 2005 9:57:00 PM
A HOLE IN ONE
A golf movie? Nope. Looks like another boring period movie. I can't even comprehend what the movie is about from the voiceover. The bad film quality is not helping either.
Rating: D-
THE ISLAND
That's right. Michael Bay should stay away from historical stuff and give us more of those SFX-laden action-packed blockbusters. An island making clones? That is so 'been there done that'. But I am sure the thrilling trailer will give rise to an even more thrilling movie.
Rating: B
BIGGER THAN THE SKY
Why the title? It is about a man finding himself and romance while preparing for the role of the big-nosed Cyrano in a stage play? Sounds familiar and not interesting. The trailer somehow reminds me of my secret wish to live in a small town. For that, I almost like the trailer. All the best to the movie then.
Rating: C
Sunday, May 01, 2005 8:22:00 PM
THE AMITYVILLE HORROR
After the THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, this is another good-looking remake of B-grade horror indies from the 70s. The tagline reads "Nothing is more terrifying than the truth" and the trailer begins with what seems like real news footage of the horrible massacre. It is based on a true story, though I doubt how true this is. That this story could be true sends shiver down my spine already. The last fourth of the trailer doesn't show much, after telling us a family moves in the house where the killings take place. But the intrigue is promising. We will normally be treated to a montage of people breathing heavily, running, screaming, crying etc. Here, what seems less is more.
Rating: B+
HERBIE FULLY LOADED
Like the poster. This is the extreme cousin of Stephen King's CHRISTINE. Practically, a kid's movie to me. Hardly funny and the idea of a car with a mind of its own just sounds cheesy and so so so childish.
Rating: C-
WINTER SOLSTICE
Hmmm... Feels like THE UPSIDE OF ANGER. A second shot at romance when you think your love life is over and dead. This is the typical romance drama where middle-aged couples will go to. Slow, sensitive and well-acted. Like the very much gentler Allison Janney and the soundtrack. Oh, the TADPOLE boy Aaron Stanford is all grown-up here.
Rating: B
Monday, May 02, 2005 9:18:00 PM
KONTROLL
Control? Think so. From the trailer, the whole movie seems to take place at an underground station. Very stylish and a real live wire. The trailer doesn't tell much about the story but this should be the kind of movie which values style over substance. And this one feels like it knows what is really cool. Oh, it speaks Hungarian.
Rating: A-
THE NINTH DAY
Strangely got a bad feeling about this German import instead. Looks too serious and full of self-importance. The horror movie score feels misplaced too.
Rating: D
LAYER CAKE
Daniel Craig, with his pouty lips and sad eyes, looks very sexy. He is the new James Bond. Still a rather strange choice. He doesn't really belong to the mainstream yet. From the producers of SNATCH and LOCK, STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS, it seems so serious. A man from the wrong side of law wants out but can't. Add 'boring' too. Why is it called LAYER CAKE? Because in the trailer, it says something like in the mob business, you have to work from the bottom, to the middle and get off at the top. A strange methaphor. The trailer plays "Ordinary World" by Duran Duran. Nice touch though.
Rating: C+
Monday, May 02, 2005 10:08:00 PM
SERENITY
It has shades of STAR WARS, STARGATE, STAR TREK ... Damn, might as well include all those space-travelling swashbuckling SFX-loaded sci-fi. Spells unoriginality to me. Yawn.
Rating: C-
MAN OF THE HOUSE
Now, this trailer makes me smile. Once upon a time, Tommy Lee Jones is so popular and then after a string of movies that cannot make it, he fades into oblivion. Starring in a comedy could be a good choice in making a comeback. But in a comedy this original and funny, I did not expect. Yes, we have seen movies of cops protecting eye-witnesses. But this one has an uptight no-nonsense cop protecting five hyperactive pretty pampered cheerleaders. You can imagine the laughs.
Rating: B+
DEUCE BIGALOW: EUROPEAN GIGOLO
Too absurd to be funny. A vampire woman? An Amazon woman? I think they cracked the same joke in part one. A male midget? Gay jokes? And a cat? Ok, the cat doesn't call for the service but has quite a funny sequence with the black pimp with his shorts down.
Rating: C-
Monday, May 02, 2005 10:41:00 PM
HOUSE OF D
Got a good feeling about this inspirational comedy. A boy learns his life lessons from a retarded man played by an almost unrecognisable Robin Williams and a black woman from a cell. Like its quirkiness, at least different enough. Hopefully, my vibes are right. But the movie has rather bad reviews. Nah. Those cynics. Too bad, feel-good movies are always their target.
Rating: B-
THE LEGEND OF ZORRO
THE MASK OF ZORRO catapulted Catherine Zeta-Jones into the mainstream and then on, from a hot chick to an Oscar winner. All these happening, when Antonio Banderas' stardom started to fade really fast. Now that the tables have turned, it would be interesting to see this. What took them so long to make the sequel? The trailer promises alot more fun and action. Bring them on. Bring them on! Wow, it is actually exciting me?
Rating: B+
HIGH TENSION
A girl stays over at her girlfriend's place and later that night, a killer comes to kill her and her brother. Knowing the killer doesn't realise the house actually has a visitor that night, she has to clear any evidence of she ever being in the room or she will be killed too. An original setup. Let's hope the movie is also original.
Rating: B+
Saturday, May 14, 2005 8:30:00 PM
HEIGHTS
Love the poster. Great to see Glenn Close after such a long long absence and she looks great. I wish the trailer has more of her. It looks bland, unpromising and very boring. About an adulterous young new wife? I would like to see her mother (Ms. Close) reprising her role in FATAL ATTRACTION.
Rating: D
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE
The trailer begins with close-ups of the three protagonists taken from the previous HP movies. Bad bad move. They only show us how uglier they have grown over the years and it makes me sad that their angelic faces are lost to puberty. Well, except Emma Watson who will prove in coming years, she will morph into a stunner and ... most probably a good actress. I am getting tired of them. The stories are always so difficult to follow with so many twists and subplots. Why cannot tell a story straight? I got a feeling J.K. Rowling is just a show-off and boring too. Is Voldemort going to kill Harry Potter this time? I no longer care! Get over that and move on? Please do not make the HP novels darker and darker and darker. Is there a need? Or simply implying teenagers love dark stuff and so they shall be fed with? The HP movies are merely made for HP fans who have read the books. An exclusive for them only. Will I keep watching HP movies? Yes but! I am sure I am just witnessing a slow death.
Rating: D+
UNLEASHED
Jet Li plays a dog here. Not really the animal but a trained and brainwashed assassin. An apt metaphor. Morgan Freeman decides to be part of this movie too. Does that mean the movie is any better than Jet Li's other forgettable ventures?
Rating: C-
Saturday, May 14, 2005 8:33:00 PM
THE DA VINCI CODE
Heard so much about it but never really has a clue about it. I only know that it is such a popular book that suddenly everyone is reading it. Something about unlocking the secrets of the future, hidden in those ancient works like the Mona Lisa painiting. I will google for more. Directed by Ron Howard. Wow. Wouldn't that mean he will release his movies back-to-back? CINDERELLA MAN and this one. Hmmmm... reminds me of Steven Spielberg's JURASSIC PARK and SCHINDLER'S LIST. Got a good feeling Ron's both movies will be well-received.
Rating: B+
MAD HOT BALLROOM
It is Spellbound meets Strictly Ballroom, as one reviewer states. It's about a bunch of really small kids learning ballroom dancing and what they say when they are not on the dance floor. One boy says," I don't even know there will be girls." They make monkey faces when they dance with kids of their opposite sex. Yet, there is also some kind of subtle sexual awakening when they get together to play. It would be interesting to see.
Rating: B
THE SKELETON KEY
I always remember Iain Softley as the director of slow arthouse film THE WINGS OF THE DOVE. Quite a variety in his works, K-PAX, BACKBEAT, HACKERS and then this one, a horror flick about voodoo. It is star-studded surprisingly; the main leads are all Oscar nominees. Kate Hudson, Gena Rowlands and John Hurt. Peter Sarsgaard also receives praises for his performances in SHATTERED GLASS and KINSEY. I say the cast and the material is a mismatch. Well, let's see what the critics will say.
Rating: B
Saturday, May 21, 2005 8:49:00 PM
MUST LOVE DOGS
How sweet. This is one of the qualities stated in a love ad put up by a divorcee. For this kind of story setup, the movie is definitely going to milk laughs from her meetings with the hopeless losers. Then, of course, she will find her male leading man among them. Maybe even two. John Cusack, Diane Lane and Dermot Mulroney are in one love comedy too many. They should not disappoint, in what seems to be a very ordinary love comedy. By the way, why are they so stingy in featuring more drop dead cutesy dogs?
Rating: B-
THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED
Yah. You say that for every sports movie, especially those that come with a showdown in the final reel. This is brought to us from the studio (?) who made REMEMBER THE TITANS and THE ROOKIE. I think this kind of a-sportsman-against-all-odds sports movie can hardly go wrong. Everyone loves to watch sports competition and an uplifting underdog story. I'm just worried how a relatively unknown cast can pack in some box office buzz.
Rating: B
THE HONEYMOONERS
Looks like just another buddy comedy. Doesn't look funny. Don't think it is going to have a story too. Why the title when the trailer shows so much of two actors.
Rating: C
Monday, May 23, 2005 5:23:00 PM
SAVING FACE
Looks really interesting. Joan Chen doesn't speak English but beautiful mainland Mandarin. Her character has a daughter who is a lesbian and has a lover. Merely a family comedy of a conservative mother and her modern-thinking daughter? I think there is more than that. Somehow it reminds me alot of THE WEDDING BANQUET.
Rating: B+
CRY WOLF
The trailer builds almost entirely around what you see in a typical online chatroom. Gory scenes of murder flash across after each line typed. I like especially the last ones. "I'm saving you""For last". Looks like a clever slasher flick. How I miss SCREAM.
Rating: A-
MARCH OF THE PENGUINS
It is a brilliant choice to invite Morgan Freeman to be the narrator. He did a marvellous job, providing the voiceover for MILLION DOLLAR BABY. The docu looks bland but I think I will just sit back and enjoy the rich voice of Mr Freeman.
Rating: C
Wednesday, June 29, 2005 10:15:00 PM
UNDEAD
Another zombie movie? Enough said. This one apparently has nothing different to offer.
Rating: D
NOVEMBER
Always love a murder mystery even though sometimes all it takes is a crappy ending to spoil all the fun of the intrigue. Is NOVEMBER promising? I bet not, at least not from the trailer. Either it is not telling you alot or it has nothing much to show? Good to see Courtney Cox back after the SCREAM trilogy and as a leading woman too.
Rating: C
ROLL BOUNCE
Wow. Love the 70s' nostlagia which should prove to be a big draw. The roller skates, the big headphones and the ... music! It is wise to have a dialogue-less trailer and let the music be the main spokesperson. The cast is all unknowns but I have a good feeling about this movie. I could be another BARBERSHOP which will gain good word of mouth.
Rating: B
Sunday, July 03, 2005 10:58:00 PM
"Undead" has already been screened here in Singapore. Here's what I had to say about the movie...
"Cheap, cheesy, (would-be) caricatural Australian science fiction comic horror from first-timers Michael and Peter Spierig aspires to reinvent the zombie movie genre (is there an exigency to do so?) and winds up two steps away from being this generation’s 'Plan 9 From Outer Space'."
I rated it BOMB
Monday, July 04, 2005 12:22:00 AM
GET RICH OR DIE TRYIN'
Music bad boy 50 cent and Jim Sheridan making a movie? Cool. Reminds me of 8 MILE. Based on the rap star's life. Wow. A coincidence or an inspiration of 8 MILE? Well, I am keen and given Jim Sheridan's good record, it should not be disappointment.
Rating: B
THE PREFECT MAN
Such a boring title. Well, at least I am glad that SATC's Chris 'Mr. Big' Noth is in it, most probably because SATC is so huge. Funny to see Heather Locklear playing a desperate housewfie. I mean is she really that old now to play a Mum? Well, I think her performance is rather good, at least in the trailer, and she could be taken seriously as an actress after this film. Hmmm... Hilary Duff playing a mother in like 5 years' time? The movie looks like a promising life-affirmer. Like some of the lines in it already.
Rating: B+
A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE
David Cronenberg directing a 'normal' movie? Without any hint of morbid grossness? There is always a danger when directors change their style. Few can handle a few genres equally effectively. The trailer looks way too 'normal', without much difference from the other the-man-with-a-past movies.
Rating: C
Sunday, July 31, 2005 4:38:00 PM
THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE
Another 'excorcist' movie? After the two prequels of the 1973's THE EXCORCIST, is this another copycat? Looks like this one is not related to the movies. Based on a true story. Yeah right and that is going to make us flock to the theatres? The trailer seems to run of things to scare. I am however interested to know more about Jennifer Carpenter who plays Emily Rose? Reminds me of Sissy Spacek in CARRIE.
Rating: C
SUPERCROSS
A whole unknown cast. Revolves around a sport. This time is motorcycle racing. Reminds me of BLUE CRUSH. Got a feeling that SUPERCROSS will follow the footsteps of BLUE CRUSH, put the sport in the foreground and let it be the real star of the movie.
Rating: B+
ELIZABETHTOWN
Don't have a good feeling about this latest Cameron Crowe movie. Smells like a disaster to me. Is it the bitter aftertaste of VANILLA SKY? Not really. It looks mundane. Cited as one of the films possible to be an Oscar favourite. I doubt so.
Rating: D
Sunday, July 31, 2005 5:29:00 PM
HAPPY ENDINGS
An ensemble act like MAGNOLIA and CRASH. Sounds and looks good to me but EW doesn't it, calling the characters one-dimensional. Uncle Roger doesn't like it either. Am I keen to see this? Yes, of course, I love THE OPPOSITE OF SEX. Like ensemble movies anyway.
Rating: B+
FOUR BROTHERS
... but two are white and two are blacks. They seek revenge for dead white mother. Interesting. The quest leads them to the bigwigs of a corporation and corruption, unearthing secrets after secrets. Wait. Sounds John Grisham to me. Plus the latter part of the trailer looks more like a actioner to me. Got a bad feeling about this movie, if you ask me.
Rating: C
DREAMER
Another boring title but Dakota Fanning looks set to mature even faster into a very credible actress. Nice to see Kurt Russell making a comeback. It is SEABISCUIT all over again but it looks rather promising to be another hear-warming life-affirming drama.
Rating: B+
Sunday, July 31, 2005 6:23:00 PM
FLIGHTPLAN
A girl goes missing on a flying plane. Mother looks for her but no one sees her. Worst of all, she is told her daughter was never on the plane! Wait. The Forgotten 2? Please, no more alien abduction. With Jodie Foster on board this project, it should have a better explanation to the conspiracy. Looks like alien intervention is not on the agenda. Good!
Rating: B
MURDERBALL
Not to be confused with the ROLLERBALL or THUNDERBALL. This is a documentary about a basketballers ... on wheels. Not as in cars but wheelchairs. They fight fierce, party hard and damn, even in wheelchairs, they get to flirt with babes too. They are nothing different from the other rowdy basketball players. The trailer really looks fun and good and could be inspirational too. Ok but then again I have this thing about documentaries too.
Rating: A-
THE 40 YEAR-OLD VIRGIN
It has to be laugh-out-loud comedy given already such a hilarious title. Steven Carrel is very funny in ANCHORMAN but he is just mildly funny in this one. If the movie is also mildly funny on the whole, it would be a waste on the hilarious title.
Rating: C+
Tuesday, August 09, 2005 11:18:00 PM
LAST DAYS
Not to be confused with the Oscar-winning Holocaust documentary, THE LAST DAYS. This is a new film by Gus Van Sant whose last film is ELEPHANT. His latest offering looks as gloomy and brooding. Surprisingly, in the trailer they did not include the Oscar-winning GOOD WILL HUNTING as one of the director's credits. Surprisingly, after so long, Gus Van Sant is still best remembered for his DRUGSTORE COWBOY and MY PRIVATE IDAHO.
Rating: C
THE BEAT THAT MY HEART SKIPPED
Like the title. Finally. Something original. Mine. It is French! Looks like a mood piece with a story with a big empty hole. Sorry about the sarcasm. Had a bad history with French flicks. But really. I cannot make sense of the storyline from the trailer.
Rating: D
RUMOUR HAS IT
Rob Reiner directed. Jennifer Aniston and Shirley MacLaine star. Sounds like a sure-winning formula for a successful comedy. A witty rip-off or an inspiration of THE GRADUATE? Kevin Costner seems to have just walked from the set of THE UPSIDE OF ANGER to this one, playing almost the same womanising character. Hint of incest? Yucks. This is the latest thing in the humour department? Yucks.
Rating: B
Wednesday, August 10, 2005 9:17:00 PM
LIPSTICK & DYNAMITE
Mine. Another documentary that looks like it is going to be a great piece of entertainment. This time, it is about woman wrestlers, dating back to the black-and-white TV era! I did not know they have such a long history. Some of the earliest woman wrestlers were so pretty that they could not possibly be perceived as the very rough and violent wrestlers in the ring.
Rating: B+
THUMBSUCKER
Haaa... What a funny title. A comedy? More like an offbeat indie comedy. From the trailer, it should be about a 17-year-old's growing-up angst. By the way, the titular lead is played by this guy called Lou Pucci who may look like another indie favourite, following the footsteps of Tobey Maguire and Jake Gyllenhaal. I am keen to see this. It has the trappings of a charming indie. Love indies.
Rating: B
OLIVER TWIST
A remake of the Best Picture winner by Oscar-winning director Roman Polanski. An obvious Oscar ploy? It looks epic and beautiful. An Oscar bait no less. It should be refreshing to see the version minus the songs and dances. Ben Kingsley looks ready for another Oscar nod. He is almost unrecognisable.
Rating: A-
Wednesday, August 10, 2005 10:18:00 PM
SAW II
Didn't watch SAW but heard that is not a really bad horror thriller. SAW II is a clear sign that part one fared well. I think this is a teaser trailer because it is very short. But, it might as well be the theatrical thriller. The premise is already set up in part one and for a horror thriller trailer, less is always more.
Rating: B+
THE FOG
Saw John Carpenter's THE FOG. It has this raw B-grade horror edginess. Will a remake be better? I think like the other horror remakes, they look much better and more 'marketable' with the advancement in the SFX and good-looking leads. Should draw in the younger crowds only but will disappoint fans of the originals. The critics will lament remaking a bad movie is still a bad movie. That is what most of them have said so far for the other horror remakes.
Rating: B-
DOOM
It is a rip-off of ALIEN. A mysterious space creature on a killing spree. Well, only this flick looks less comptemplative and definitely all action. Seems like a mindless shoot-'em-all kill-'em-all horror actioner.
Rating: C
Saturday, August 13, 2005 11:00:00 PM
THE ARISTOCRATS
A documentary? It doesn't say so. Alot of people talking to the camera. Some of the reviews flashing claim that it is a very funny comedy. But exactly how? I can't really see since I do not really know what they are all talking about. But it sure arouses my curiosity.
Rating: B
WALLACE AND GROMIT - THE CURSE OF THE WERE RABBIT
Love Wallace and Gromit. Nick Park deserves an achievement award. The wonder of plasticine... This one looks more unbelievably animated and sure looks very hilarious too. While I think CHICKEN RUN is too Hollywoodised, I believe this one should have the same easy-going charm like the previous Wallace & Gromit shorts.
Rating: A-
BARNYARD
BABE animated. Talking domestic animals on a farm and the use of bright sunny colours. But I think this one is just out to milk some silly laughs from us. Pun intended.
Rating: B+
Sunday, August 14, 2005 9:09:00 PM
JARHEAD
Some predicted this could be a contender for the next Oscar Best pic. It is obvious for its pacifist theme. It is also one of the few movies which puts Kuwait as the backdrop of the war story. I cannot really make out what the main story is from the trailer. I doubt it will be as much a dark comedy as AMERICAN BEAUTY. The cast of three very promising young actors and Oscar winner Chris Cooper should be interesting to watch though.
Rating:
BROKEN FLOWERS
Another possible contender for the coming Oscars. Will Bill Murphy be nominated again? I think they might. Just a hunch. Star-studded too. Julie Delpy, Jessica Lange and Sharon Stone, appearing more down-to-earth but ravishing in another sense. It is apparently about a man's coming-of-age journey. Sounds like my kind of movie already.
Rating: B
WALK THE LINE
Another Oscar shoo-in. Will Oscars do to Joaquin Phoenix what it did to Jamie Foxx for playing a legendary singer. He sang all the country songs himself and learnt to play the guitar from scratch. But who is Johnny Cash? At least, we all know who is Ray Charles. Also, I hope it will not feel like another TV movie, like RAY.
Rating: B-
Tuesday, August 23, 2005 9:42:00 PM
INTO THE BLUE
I thought it would be another BLUE CRUSH. Never realise it is actually a thriller set in the ocean. But seeing Jessica Alba running around and kicking ass in a bikini should be quite a thrill-er too.
Rating: C
DEEP BLUE
Wow. Has to be the most beautiful inspiring trailer I have ever seen. The ocean never looks so mesmerisingly captivating to me. Many scenes play out like a ballet of carefree sea creatures. It reminds me of WINGED MIGRATION. A labour of love. This time for the ocean and the fish.
Rating: A-
ICE AGE 2: THE MELTDOWN
Haaaa.... haaaa.... I love that Scrat, the squirrel, to death! ICE AGE is funniest when it appears. Damn it. Give Scrat a movie! Go watch the trailer! Make yourself laugh silly.
Rating: A+
Tuesday, August 23, 2005 10:41:00 PM
RENT
Such a joyous trailer. Directed by Chris Columbus and his movies are always so uplifting. Good thing that most of the actors are also original cast players of the musical. Love the title song, Seasons of Love. Good thing also that the trailer is nothing but the song played to some happy scenes. Somehow, really miss such feel-good hopeful wholesome movies.
Rating: A
LORD OF WAR
Looks like another shoot-'em-up comedy. Nicholas Cage plays an arms seller. I think it is a comedy. I also smell an ethnical issue here. Isn't it a bit too much making gun-firing looks so fun? I don't like the movie already.
Rating: D
AEON FLUX
Charlize Theron looks so Lara Croft in this movie. I am not complaining. She looks so yummy. Am I keen to watch another one-(wo)man-against-the-bad-system sci-fi actioner? Yawn. The costume design looks Oscar-worthy though.
Rating: D+
Tuesday, August 23, 2005 11:50:00 PM
THE NEW WORLD
Directed by Terence Malick. I remember my patience was running very thin watching THE THIN RED LINE. It is no wonder the director is media-shy. THE NEW WORLD looks more action-packed but still I have my reservation. Is it a live-action POCAHONTAS? I do not think so. Playing Pocahontas is a newcomer is Q'Orianka Kilcher, who is claimed that she has not watch a single movie before this. Should she had seen THE THIN RED LINE she would have backed out. Haaa...
Rating: B
STAY
First is a small powerhouse interracial romance drama MONSTER'S BALL, then the tearkjerker FINDING NEVERLAND, now Marc Forster is going to attempt horror mystery. STAY seems to promise a twist in the end. It feels alot like THE SIXTH SENSE, with more action. I don't think I see people flocking to see this one. Got the pun? Nevermind.
Rating: C+
FUN WITH DICK AND JANE
I am surprised that this is a remake of a 1977 comedy starring Oscar-winning Jane Fonda. It is a dumb title and it does look like DUMB & DUMBER to me. A couple running into slapstick tough luck robbing people. For once, I thought this is another the Farrelly brothers' movie but, nope, it is directed by Dean Parisot who helmed GALAXY QUEST and HOME FRIES. With the Farrelly brothers doing slightly more 'serious' movies like FEVER PITCH and STUCK ON YOU, Dean Parisot can be our guest to continue their winning streak. The trailer sure looks very funny to me.
Rating: B+
Thursday, September 01, 2005 8:07:00 PM
SHOPGIRL
Did I read that correctly? Pardon my ignorance. Steve Martin wrote a book? And this movie is based on this book? Cool.
With Bill Murray moving on to more serious roles than playing the clown, Steve Martin deserves his turn too to be taken seriously as an actor. Anyway, the trailer feels like LOST IN TRANSLATION 2. An old man in love with a young pretty nymph. Will Steve Martin be following the footsteps of Bill Murray. I sure hope so. All the best, Stevie. By the way, the trailer boosts a wonderful soothing soundtrack.
Rating: B+
THE MAN
Eugene Levy from the AMERICAN PIE trilogy has his own movie. Yes, he may have to share it with a big shot like Samuel L. Jackson but, no hard feelings, this comedy belongs to Mr Levy. The trailer is largely amusing because of him. Will Mr Levy make this a success and has his own comedy one day? I really think so. A big welcome to the oldest new kid on the block.
Rating: B+
YOURS, MINE & OURS
Could be shamelessly inspired by CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN. But sure looks set to be as entertaining, if not even better. Two single parents decide to get married and their children have to learn to get along as step-siblings. The problem is there is around a dozen of them. And they come from very different upbringing. The kids look fun to watch, pulling off pranks after pranks. Rene Russo, after not being around for so long, looks so yummy. Dennis Quaid has been working hard but his ex-wife Meg Ryan seems to have faded into oblivion. I would love to imagine they will play husband and wife in this comedy, not forgetting comedy is Meg Ryan's forte.
Rating: B+
Saturday, September 24, 2005 11:54:00 AM
THE FAMILY STONE
As much as I find the poster has low taste, I embrace the trailer. It is a good sign. Well, you can say trailers can be very deceiving but mind you, this movie has a very good bunch of accomplished actors cum comedians.
Sarah Jessica Parker (yes!!), Rachel McAdams (yes!!), Diane Keaton, Luke Wilson, Dermot Mulroney and Claire Danes. Quiz time: Which actors are not box-office darlings? None.
The trailer makes me laugh. It could be another holiday family comedy but I watched it again after the first viewing. The comedy is going to be a hit. It is going to be as lovable as the actors. Trust me. Bet my family jewels on that one. Nah. I take that back.
Rating: A-
PRIME
... has a very interesting story setup. A shrink is seeing a patient who falls in love with a much younger man. She encourages the patient to go ahead and fall in love if it brings so much joy in her life, especially her sex life. “We make love on every surface in the house,” she was told. Now, the shrink has a son who is seeing this much older woman. Does she practice what she preaches? Nope. She strongly objects to it. If you are smart enough, you would have guessed how the plot goes. The son is the patient’s lover and the patient is her son’s older girlfriend! Meryl Streep plays the shrink/mother but I really wonder does this comical role requires one of the greatest actresses around? For all you know, she can be really good in it. If I am watching this, it is solely for her.
Rating: B+
THE PRIZE WINNER OF DEFIANCE OHIO
For a brief moment, I thought this is THE HOURS all over again. Julianne Moore looks like she has walked out of the set of THE HOURS and into this movie, playing yet another housewife. But, nope, she is not going to cry a lot in the movie. In fact, she appears smiling, laughing and looks all so happy that her husband (Woody Harrelson) exclaims, "You are so damn happy."”
Is this a comedy? More like a heartwarmer. A housewife, who raises ten children, has a remarkable winning streak in many contests but has a husband who is a sour loser. Is she really happy when she wins so much but about to lose things close to her heart? I like the movie already. Sounds like my kind of movie.
Rating: A-
Wednesday, October 05, 2005 9:52:00 PM
BEE SEASON
And I thought it was some story about a beekeeper. Turns out the small girl in the poster is a spelling bee champion. Hence the title. She looks like a very young version of Janeane Garofalo. (By the way, where the hell is she now?)
If one babe is not enough, Kate Bosworth has a supporting role. Richard Gere plays a father, a role which seems to require a lot of emotional acting from him. Juliette Binoche is convincing as a French girl playing an American woman.
Above all, love the song playing the background. Dying to know more about it. Oh, the movie seems to be an uplifting weepie. My kind of movie. If done in the right way, which I think is the case here.
Rating: B+
JUST FRIENDS
This should be a big motivational movie for me. A fat guy slims down and goes back to hometown to woo the girl whom he likes but cannot reciprocate his love. Looks like a fun movie, and the lineup of eye-pleasing young stars doesn't hurt a bit. Somehow, I believe they will do a job at giving me a sweet jolly time watching this, instead of just posing cute.
Rating: B
IN HER SHOES
Uncle Roger loves it but that James hates. Whose side will I trust. Uncle Roger. Besides, I like 8 MILE and L.A. CONFIDENTIAL. It looks TERMS OF ENDEARMENT 3 (given there is a sequel to TERMS OF ENDEARMENT, by another name). It is supposed to be a coming-of-age story of Cameron Diaz's character but it seems like she is acting like another sexpot in the trailer. Uncle Roger promises good performances from her.
Sure feels like a mediocre movie from me but then again, trailers do not really sell the really good stuff. Hence, that explains many scenes of Ms Diaz in very hot sexy apparel.
Rating: B-
Friday, October 14, 2005 12:20:00 AM
THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY
Indeed, very beautifully filmed. Filled with Asian exoticism.
The story is about a man on a journey to look for his past. Sounds boring already. Hopefully the Asian leads will bring something good out of it.
Rating: B
NATIONAL LAMPOON'S ADAM & EVE
Another gross-out comedy with fart jokes, virgin jokes, underwear-pulling jokes, sex jokes ...
Rating: D
ASYLUM
Nope. Not a horror movie. A British erotic romance drama. A psychiatrist's wife is mad enough to be mad in love with a mad patient in his mad people's hospital.
If the trailer suggests this is going to be another FATAL ATTRACTION, then what is respectable Ian McKellen doing in this movie?
Rating: D+
Sunday, November 13, 2005 9:14:00 AM
FINAL DESTINATION 3
I love FINAL DESTINATION. It is a very cool and scary idea to have the Grim Reaper as a serial stalker. A faceless killer that slays with freak accidents. A boiling kettle, a drawers of cutlery and even a drop of water can cause your death.
I didn't see FINAL DESTINATION 2 but James Wong, who directed part one, is back to helm. Hopefully, the story has a satisfying closure.
One thing for sure, the trailer fortifies my fear for roller-coaster.
Rating: B+
DERAILED
Another FATAL ATTRACTION? There is an about-turn. A man with a gun enters the scene of rendezvous and then Clive Owen and Jennifer Aniston look really scared.
Another suspense thriller... Yawn.
Rating: D+
THE FOUNTAIN
The fountain? Somehow I have this feeling that it is a horror movie. Your see, the site is all-black with only the title in white.
The trailer doesn't reveal anything. Just a montage of images which are hinted at a horror fantasy. No dialogue too.
Directed by REQUIEM OF A DREAM's Darren Aronofsky. Most likely it won't be an easy film to sit through.
For me, the trailer has a mysterious air but I am not intrigued.
Rating: C
Sunday, November 13, 2005 9:32:00 AM
MUNICH
Directed by Steven Spielberg. It is not a sci-fi movie but a serious drama about Palestinian terrorists who assassinated Israeli athletes during 1972 Munich Olympics. Think SCHINDLER'S LIST and think Oscars...
The trailer doesn't look like it will disappoint us.
Oscars will love materials like that and so do I.
Rating: A-
G
Geee... what does the title like this entail?
A contemporary African-American romance inspired by the classic F. Scott Fitzgerald story The Great Gatsby.
I am interested already.
A check at the imdb shows that this movie is dated back to 2002. Why is that such a late release?
Rating: B
THE MATADOR
Pierce Brosnan plays a hitman who is losing his touch and Greg Kinnear is a chicken-hearted salesman who is coerced to protect him from another hitman.
Promising against-the-type performances from Pierce Brosnan and Greg Kinnear. But I have a feeling the movie will sink. This THE ODD COUPLE-esque comedy is not really funny afterall.
Rating: C+
Sunday, November 13, 2005 10:06:00 AM
UNDERWORLD EVOLUTION
Hated the first instalment. Feels like a B-grade horror movie with a bigger budget. This sequel looks promising though. Much more hollywood-like, which I think it is a good thing. For a story that senseless, blow things up and showcase tons of special effects will be a good distraction.
Rating: B
MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA
Wow. What a good-looking movie! And Zhang Ziyi speaks good English! Given that she is such a talented actress, I should not be surprised. I wonder why Maggie Cheung is not in the project. Could it be she still cannot speak 'proper' English? Her English in CLEAN is not impressive but at that time, Zhang Ziyi cannot even say a proper English sentence!
I got a feeling this movie is going to be another pursue-your-destiny feminist movies. Story-wise, it should not impress me much but my oh my, the cinematography blows me away.
Rating: B+
THE GOSPEL
R&B music and church. Hhmmm... why didn't anyone think of that earlier? Another movie which I may not think highly of the story but the songs should make it enjoyable nevertheless. A cast of largely unknowns and all-black. Most probably another indie movie. Did I tell anyone that I like the way the black folks talk? And their R&B.
Rating: B-
Sunday, November 13, 2005 10:09:00 AM
THREE ... EXTREMES
Finally, the American audience will be watching a real Asian horror fare.
This was shown last year in Singapore. There is a certain pride in me to see this movie finally opening in US of A. Bet will scare the angmohs out of their wits. Their horror is nothing compared to us.
Personally, I have not seen it but heard it is so gory that an R rating is given. Not for the faint-hearted person. Like me.
Rating: B+
LADY IN THE WATER
Saw this trailer before HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE.
Rather impressive. The beautiful classical Italian music in the background never really quite gives me the impression that it will be a horror film from M. Night Shyamalan.
Like the title already and again, I am confident that I will be blown away by the twist. Shock me, Mr Shyamalan. Impress me again.
Rating: B+
SLITHER
Sure to raise ire among horror fans. The trailer begins with a bold statement that many famous horror movies are for ... sissies.
How audacious. Especially when I do not even know what to make out of it. A horror comedy? Is it really that "disgusting" that it will change the "the face of horror"?
Get real. No one will buy that.
Rating: F
Tuesday, November 29, 2005 12:10:00 AM
THE PRODUCERS
I have seen the original and love it. It is a madcap comedy. Good thing that the producers invite Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick (from the Broadway musical of it) back to play the leads. Will Ferrell is a great choice to play the worst actor possible and Uma Thurman is funny to watch with that Swedish accent. I just hope it will be as wacky-fun as the original but I am skeptical.
Rating: B-
CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN 2
Liked Part One and I think I am going to like this one too. One big family meets another big family whose patriach is actually played by Eugene Levy. Hey, that is a good sign already and yes, he is playing a loser dad no more. Sure looks like twice the fun already.
Rating: B
BREAKFAST ON PLUTO
Cillian Murphy is very efficient at playing a villian so it should be difficult to see him playing a sissy in this movie. But he seems to be equally good at it too. Nevermind the story, this movie should bring much fame and credibility to Cillian Murphy and Hollywood will officially have another wonderful thespian.
Rating: B
Sunday, December 04, 2005 12:12:00 AM
ANNAPOLIS
Yawn. It is the Marines' answer to TOP GUN. Surely will go down very well with the teenage boys. Could be a piece of entertainment propaganda too.
Buzz Rating: C
THE EDUKATORS
A German film that was one of the highlighted films at this year's German Film Festival. An angst-ridden teenage drama. The trailer doesn't tell much except that it hints that it is a thriller. Somehow, I have a good feeling about this foreign import. Hopefully, the cinemas here will have a general release of this movie.
Buzz Rating: B+
BIG MOMMA'S HOUSE 2
Didn't really like the first instalment but Martin Lawrence is funny. Watching him playing a lusty cop in a big black woman's rubber suit is worth the ticket price already. There is even a scene spoofing Bo Derek running on the beach in a yellow swimsuit in 10. One word. Hilarious.
Buzz Rating: B
Sunday, December 04, 2005 7:48:00 PM
MATCH POINT
Woody Allen directing FATAL ATTRACTION? I sure hope he has not lost his touch in his movies. This doesn't look remotely like any of his greater works. I wonder how this movie is creating good buzz. Well. As they say, the trailers can be very deceiving. In this case, I am really hoping against hope that they are right.
Buzz Rating: D
KISS KISS BANG BANG
Might as well be a title for a porn movie. Well but this movie gets a distinction grade from Entertainment Weekly. Not bad at all. Not bad at all for a crime comedy although the trailer doesn't promise a great movie. But sure is good to see Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer, two has-beens, are making a comeback.
Buzz Rating: C
MONSTER HOUSE
It is a cartoon. Not really a B-grade horror. It is done in the style of Tim Burton. You know horror comedy? Like a house that can come alive; the mouth is the door and the eyes the windows. Stupid? Haaa.... from Robert Zemeckis and Steven Spielberg. What? Pardon me, it is stupid.
Buzz Rating: F
Saturday, December 10, 2005 9:41:00 PM
LOOKING FOR COMEDY IN A MUSLIM WORLD
Very unfunny. Very insensitive too. What is Albert Brooks doing? Tampering with a taboo subject like that. A man looking for things that will tickle the Muslims? Isn't that hinting that they do not have a sense of humour? Anyway, the trailer doesn't look funny at all. Is Mr. Brooks in some dire straits of losing his humour too?
Buzz Rating: F
HOSTEL
Quentin Tarantino presents. Wow. But. It really looks like a rip-off of FRIDAY THE 13TH and SAW and TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE. Oh please. I know. Not for the faint-hearted. That is me. Based on true events. Loosely, I suppose.
Buzz Rating: C
NORTH COUNTRY
What a boring movie title. Another feminist movie? Where all guys all bad and mean? Where there are many shots of women crying and hugging? It is a story of how a woman stands up to sexual harassment at her working place, wins the case and changes the law. It features three Oscar winners for Best Actress! Wow. I somehow feel that they are pushing it a bit too hard. Uncle Roger likes it. Hmmm... upping the buzz factor. And again, is that the best movie title they can come up with?
Buzz Factor: B
Saturday, December 10, 2005 10:29:00 PM
HOODWINKED
"Trouble In The Hood"
The story of the Little Red Riding Hood gets a twist. All characters are not what they seem to be. Big bad wolf is not that bad, Little Red Riding Hood is not that sweet and the Granny snow-skis xXx-style. This year's SHREK? A copycat? I think it should be as fun to watch and definitely a tad darker.
Buzzz Rating: A-
THE HILLS HAVE EYES
"The lucky ones die first."
Damn scary. This is one of Hollywood remakes of yesteryear's cult horror movies like HOUSE OF WAX and THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE. Two masters of scare are involved. Wes Craven who wrote the screenplay for his 1977 version and Alexandre Aja who directed last year's HIGH TENSION, hailed as one of the bloodiest and most gruesome thrillers in a long time.
Buzz Rating: A-
LAST HOLIDAY
"She Always Thought She Was Somebody... And She Was "
Undoubtedly, the queen of comedy. Queen Latifah is in her umpteenth time carrying a comedy. But I think this time the story has much more meaning to it. When a conservative working girl learns that she has only three weeks to live, she decides to have her last holiday, and most probably her last laugh too, with all the money she has. What a great way to live your last days! Did she really die in the end? Well, the funny trailer doesn't reveal but I bet that is the way to live life. Enjoy life to the last and death doesn't seem that scary afterall. I have a feeling I will like this comedy.
Buzz Rating: B+
Tuesday, January 31, 2006 9:15:00 PM
WATER
This is the last film of director, Deepa Mehta's "elemental trilogy," which began with FIRE (1996) and continued with EARTH(1998). FIRE deals with lesbianism and EARTH, the bloody civil war that led to the formation of India and Pakinstan. Both topics do not sit comfortable with the Indian authorities and hence the production was stopped by threats and demonstrations. It is all in the trailer. George Lucas even came to the resuce by supporting Deepa Mehta in "Variety". The controversy in WATER is India's tradition of shaving widows bald and branding them as social outcasts. It is also very beautifully filmed. Definitely a must-see for me.
Buzz Rating: A+
DUANE HOPWOOD
"When the odds are against you, your best bet is a second chance..."
The once chubby and brunette Janeane Garofalo is unrecognisable in this movie! What a transformation. She dyes her haird blonde and is seen so much thinner. Yes. The girl in the poster is her! After that excitement, the trailer doesn't seem to promise much of an original plot. I am thinking of KRAMER VS. KRAMER sans the court case. Not to mention the strange title may not draw much of a crowd too.
Buzz Rating: C
MADEA'S FAMILY REUNION
"Learn dignity. Demand respect."
This is the sequel to DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN. Tyler Perry is the director who also directed a series of plays which the two movies are based on. Apparently, there exists a seven-picture deal of the remaining Madea films. Sorry, I care less since the first film is not that well-received either.
Buzz Rating: D
Tuesday, January 31, 2006 9:16:00 PM
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN
"Love Is A Force Of Nature"
What took me so long to finally get a glimpse of this eyebrow-raising cowboy gay romance? The music is already breaking my heart. By now, it is not a closet secret that BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN is sweeping awards everywhere and Oscars cannot look away from this gay romance. Promising superb performances from the relatively young cast. Ang Lee has made it again and finally he has cememted his reputation as one great director, even outshining all his Hollywood counterparts this year.
Buzz Rating: A+
GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK
"We will not walk in fear of one another."
I just hope it will not be heavy-going for me. The trailer sure warns me that I need to do some homework by reading up on the movie's central turns of events and politics. Wow. Will I survive? Will they talk too fast and too "cheam"? Will I catch no ball? Good luck to me, man.
Buzz Rating: B+
HUSTLE & FLOW
"Everybody gotta have a dream"
Trust me. Terrence Howard is gonna be big in the near future. He is in two prolific movies, CRASH and this one. He is one great but understated actor. Hope he will be nominated for either his role in CRASH or for this one. A pimp turned musician. A twist of 8 MILE? The only thing that doesn't sit very well with me is that the trailer seems to promise another one of those preachy life-affirmer.
Yawn...
Buzz Rating: B-
Tuesday, January 31, 2006 10:15:00 PM
TRANSAMERICA
"Life is more than the sum of its parts."
A woman playing a male transexual. Ha! That could be a first and Felicity Huffman already is so captivating in the trailer. I am keen to see this one. If BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN can make it here, so should TRANSAMERICA. I don't really care that it could be another life-affirming coming-of-age road comedy. For Felicity, this is a major must-see.
Buzz Rating: A-
THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA
This could be the comeback movie for Tommy Lee Jones. Winning two major awards at the Cannes, including Best Actor, this movie is absolutely forgotten by Oscars. Imagine it was considered as a forerunner in the early Oscar race. What a pity! It seems to be a very fine movie. Kind of reminded me of UNFORGIVEN, directed by an actor and starring himself. I hope Tommy Lee Jones will continue to direct and Oscar will repay him one day.
Buzz Rating: B+
SEE NO EVIL
"Eight Teens, One Weekend, One Serial Killer."
Coincidentally, the working title for SYRIANA which is based on a novel of that working title. But this is half as smart and most probably just a dim-witted slash-'em-up cheap horror flick. A pyschopath on the loose hacking up a butch of good-looking youngsters. Yawn. Just look at that tagline... Boring.
Buzz Rating: F
Sunday, February 12, 2006 10:20:00 PM
HAPPY FEET
Releasing in November 06?! That is some kiasu promotion. Obviously inspired by MARCH OF THE PENGUINS. Looks like a cross between SHARK TALE and ICE AGE and of course that documentary. That Elijah Wood, Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman voicing the penguins and directed by BABE's George Miller up the buzzz factor a teeny weeny bit.
Buzz Rating: D
AQUAMARINE
"A Fish-Out-Of-Water Comedy"
Chick flick! It is SPLASH meets THE LITTLE MERMAID meets SISTERHOOD OF TRAVELLING PANTS. Definitely made for teenage girls. A bit of a no-brainer but cute and what an eye-candy!
Buzz Rating: B
BRICK
Joseph Gordon-Levitt looks like Heath Ledger in this indie movie. Given his promising performance in MYSTERIOUS SKIN, he may earn himself an Oscar, like Ledge. A detective story? The trailer sure promises it is going to be a creepy one. Hopefully, it is a clever whodunit too.
Buzz Rating: B
Sunday, February 12, 2006 11:07:00 PM
WHEN A STRANGER CALLS
"Whatever You Do, Don't Answer The Phone."
Another slasher teenage thriller but this one looks promising. The setting is a beautiful house and there are only two main characters. A pretty babysitter and the stranger who calls and calls and calls and then stalks her in the house. Wow. I want to be skeptical and I find myself revisiting the SCREAM trilogy.
Buzz Rating: A-
POSEIDON
THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE (1972) is so well made, a remake is only a prettier version of it. POSEIDON doesn't seem to promise more than sleek special effects. If Wolfgang Petersen is going to do a "scene-for-scene", the original is much preferred.
Buzz Rating: C+
SILENT HILL
THE RING meets HOUSE OF WAX? Looks very B-grade. And I do not think it is any smarter. The long pause near the end of the trailer is something quite novel and serves no purpose. Just like the movie?
Buzz Rating: D
Tuesday, February 14, 2006 10:02:00 PM
SHE'S THE MAN
"Everybody has a secret... Duke wants Olivia who likes Sebastian who is really Viola whose brother is dating Monique so she hates Olivia who's with Duke to make Sebastian jealous who is really Viola who's crushing on Duke who thinks she's a guy...
"
Love the tagline already!! Haaa... Good vibes, good vibes. A girl disguises as her twin brother and going to his school. A girl likes her but she likes a guy who ... All right, refer to the tagline/plotline. Looks fun fun fun to watch. A huge cast of unknowns somehow promises more. Unknowns have nothing to lose and will go all way out to impress. Am I making a point or a point that seems lame but nevertheless has some degree of truth which should not even exist in a comedy like this but in some other movies ...
Buzz Rating: B+
THE SHAGGY DOG
"Raise The Woof. "
Tim Allen voices a dog? What's next? Michael J. Fox voices a mouse or a Chris Rock voices a guinea pig? But still the prettiest creature is SATC's Kristin Davis. It is about time she make an appearance on the big screen. And why Robert Downey, Jr. and Danny Glover are in this? Times are that bad? Tim Allen is so stuck in slapstick family comedies that I think he should fire his agent.
Buzz Rating: D (for Dog :P)
MIAMI VICE
I have not seen a single episode of the TV series but the movie version seems to be kicking some serious ass. Directed by Michael Mann. He is the top choice to direct alpha-male buddy movies. Sleek and stylish but never too boorish. Do I sound gay if I say Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell look darn hot and sexy?
Buzz Rating: A-
Tuesday, February 14, 2006 11:25:00 PM
FAILURE TO LAUNCH
"To leave the nest, some men just need a little push."
Sarah Jessica Parker strikes out again on the big screen after THE FAMILY JEWEL. She looks good and definitely putting the past of her earlier dull film career behind her for good. She plays a 'motivator' whose job is get a man leave her parents and stop living off them. No points for guessing that they will eventually fall in love. Failure to launch? That is bad name for a movie that really seems fail to make it big.
Buzz Rating: D
AKEELAH AND THE BEE
"Changing the world... one word at a time."
Not to be mistaken with THE BEE SEASON. And yes, it is another movie that is most likely inspired by that Oscar-nominated documentary, SPELLBOUND. Sadly, it is also another believe-in-your-dream movie. Anyone here knows how to spell 'yawn'?
Buzz Rating: D
BASIC INSTINCT 2
"Everything interesting begins in the mind."
There are a couple of digs at the infamous leg-crossing scene in BASIC INSTINCT. Sharon Stone tries too hard to sound sexy and dangerous with her low husy voice. David Morrissey looks as boring as any other doctor. BASIC INSTINCT doesn't look as gloomy as part une and it packs in more glam. But, from the trailer, it seems like a long wait for the sequel is not really worth it after all.
Buzz Rating: C
Saturday, February 18, 2006 10:47:00 PM
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST
With Keira Knightley nominated for Best Actress, the cast will boost two Oscar alumni members. But it seems to be anything but serious. More slapstick than the first one. Really looks hilarious but I wonder if that is all they can market, could it also mean it can be a just a slapstick comedy with a bigger budget. Never trust a pirate, they say. I will skip this and maybe wait for the DVD.
Buzz Rating: C+
THE TENANTS
"Too close for comfort."
Snoop Dogg becomes serious and Dylan McDermott ditches his handsome leading looks. Are they beckoning Oscar? With more unlikely Oscar nominess. This year, we have George Clooney, Keira Knightley, Reese Whitherspoon and Heath Ledger. They could be in the line-up soon. I got positive vibes for this indie movie. Looks like a showcase of nice surprising acting chops from aspiring Oscar wannabes.
Buzz Rating: B+
ULTRAVIOLET
"The Blood War is On"
The samsurai sword and sequences of a lone woman fighting off big-sized men. KILL BILL meets AEON FLUX. Milla Jovovich sure needs no Bruce Willis to protect her. She kicks ass as hard. She is babelicious and even though I am not impressed by the poster, the choreography of special effects and action is splendid.
Buzz Rating: B+
Sunday, February 19, 2006 8:04:00 PM
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE III
The only thing I am looking forward to is to see this year's Oscar nominee Philip Seymour Hoffman playing a baddie. His baddie is not a flashy one but surely will be one with solid acting. Tom Cruise never ages a bit but then so was he in MINORITY REPORT, A FEW GOOD MEN, WARS OF THE WORLDS, VANILLA SKY ... That is what I called Mission Impossible. Ooo... Maggie Q is in the cast list?
Buzz Rating: D
FLIGHT 93
As secretive as the poster, the trailer tells almost nothing. We are left with only a very short glimpse of the movie. Can you construct a trailer with only images and sound and yet intrigue you? Love this trailer. The plotline reads, "A real time account of the events on United Flight 93, one of the planes hijacked on 9/11 that crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania when passengers foiled the terrorist plot." The trailer shows so little but teases me relentlessly. I am so crazy with curiosity.
Buzz Rating: A+
16 BLOCKS
"For a New York cop and his witness, the distance between life and death just got very short."
Reminds me alot of ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13. But that is a good sign. Both are character-driven thrillers and built on a very simple premise. In this case, a short journey of 16 blocks, from the police station to the courthouse. Talking about breaking stereotypes, Bruce Willis is doing what Tom Cruise did in COLLATERAL, playing down the action leading man and show some realy neat acting chops. Can they do more of movies like that?
Buzz Rating: B+
Tuesday, February 21, 2006 9:17:00 PM
HARD CANDY
A 32-year-old man meets a 14-year-old girl on the net and they 'hook up'. Dire consequences ensue. Another thriller (what it is being marketed as a horror film) that involves only two characters and most of the action seems to happen only in an apartment. Like I say for most of the trailers, hopefully, it is a smart thriller too.
Buzz Rating: A-
NACHO LIBRE
Jack Black, half-naked and wearing that red cape, on the poster guarantees a solid comedy. The trailer seems to support that. Deadpan hilarious. The last scene of the trailer made me laugh out loud! This could be Jack Black's best comedic performance. Going by the standards of an underdog comedy, this one looks good. Very good.
Buzz Rating: A+
CLICK
What a dumb title. Adam Sandler is in it. Still. A dumb title. A dumber story idea. A remote control that can control ... your life! Lower the volume of your barking dog, fastforward an arguement with your wife and pause your talking boss from hell to give him a few punches. Sounds great.... yeah... only to toddlers. Still. A dumb title but now I also know it is very likely to be a dumb comedy too.
Buzz Rating: D-
Tuesday, February 21, 2006 10:41:00 PM
DATE MOVIE
"Everyone wants a happy ending."
What is the flip side of the SCARY MOVIE trilogy? Well, DATE MOVIE. Spoofing romantic comedies, from BRIDGET JONES'S DIARIES to MEET THE PARENTS to THE WEDDING PLANNER, this goofball comedy seems to spare nothing. Damn funny and hilarious. A shot in the heart of the hopeless lovelorn romantics. Obviously, not one of them, I want to see a trilogy of DATE MOVIE!
Buzz Rating: B
PHAT GIRLZ
Fat Girls, just in case, you are wondering aloud. And introducing a mini-Queen Latifah, Mo'Nique Imes-Jackson. Playing a fat girl looking for love and self-accpetance in a world obsessed with thin girls. In Africa, obesity is a reflection of a high social status, or so she is told by a hunky African suitor. Always like comedies like this to cheer the underdogs on. Extra points from me who is more on the heavy side.
Buzz Rating: B+
CACHE
Saw the movie before seeing this trailer. I have to say the trailer is very careful not to give away a slightest about the plot. It can show more to intrigue you further but it is not going to tell you mcuh about the movie, expect that there are mysterious videotapes and a rift of mistrust begins to wreck a married couple. The trailer is like showing you a box, promising a surprise but never tells you the faintest idea what you are going to get.
Buzz Rating: A-
Sunday, February 26, 2006 1:13:00 AM
KINKY BOOTS
"How Far Would You Go To Save The Family Business?"
THE FULL MONTY, CALENDAR GIRLS and now this. I suspect there are a few more British imports made in the same spirit. Down-and-out, out of ideas and out of exasperation, the protagonists came up with a success formula that is both crazy and brilliant. THE FULL MONTY guys dance naked for money and the KINKY BOOTS traditional shoemakers make kinky boots for kinky show business. Definitely a morale booster for anyone looking for a few laughs and hope at the end of the week.
Buzz Rating: B+
THE DEVIL AND DANIEL JOHNSTON
Another actor looking for the next juicy role to nab that Best Actor Oscar next year should consider playing the subject of this documentary film. Daniel Johnston is manic-depressive singer, song writer, artist rolled into one. He talks about the devil all the time, hence the title. But his songs could have inspired singers like Damien O and Coldplay. A genius or an idiot? RAIN MAN meets RAY. This is his story and I cannot wait to see it.
Buzz Rating: A
ART SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL
It took me a while to realise that this could be a comedy. That would be a first for John Malkovich. It pokes fun at people who walk the fine line of either being called artisitic or simply loony. And this movie also walks the fine line of being rude or hilarious. Directed by the one who brought us BAD SANTA which some find it very offensive. This one seems to evoke the same feeling of repulsion?
Buzz Rating: C
Sunday, March 05, 2006 7:18:00 AM
SPIDER-MAN 3
I am trembling with eager anticipation. Love Spidey 2. Spidey 3 is darker and it is about time we see the darker side of Spiderman. He has to grow up someday and deal with more than just crushes and teenage angst. Seems like James Franco is the new villian but the trailer promises more. Hope it is as awesome as Spidey 2.
Buzz Rating: A-
THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD
Love the poster. Boring title and hate the trailer. Says so little and hardly arousing. Only Brad Pitt's name will get response from the audience.
Buzz Rating: F
CHAROLETTE'S WEB
Julia Roberts voices the titular spider. Good choice. Nice sexy motherly voice. Look at the cast. It manages to net big stars like Oprah Winfrey, Robert Redford, John Cleese and Dakota Fanning. Sure looks and feels like another sequel to BABE. Unless it can step out the shadow of BABE (which is a very good children movie), CHAROLETTE'S WEB seems doomed to pale in comparison.
Buzz Rating: C-
Monday, July 03, 2006 9:37:00 AM
MY SUPER EX-GIRLFRIEND
"He broke her heart. She broke his everything."
A fantasy for every heartbroken jilted girlfriend. You possess superman-like super powers to get back to the biggest meanie - your ex-boyfriend. Sounds fun and the trailer doesn't look as dumb as it sounds. It is actually very funny. Uma Thurman and Luke Wilson are comedians yet to stand the test. But I guess after this one, they may be going on another giant leap in their career.
Rating: B+
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
Vert interesting. The trailer is a snippet taken directly from the movie. So it is like watching a short film. Bitches. Scary bitches. Isn't fun to watch them especially with Meryl Streep playing it. If she doesn't smile, she can be so darn scary. Definitely catching this.
Rating: A+
THE BREAK-UP
Ironically, this is the movie that brought Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston together after her break-up with Brad Pitt. Directed by Peyton Reed whose DOWN WITH LOVE and BRING IT ON are adored by moi. THE BREAK-UP looks really hilarious. Guess it won't disappoint anyone who loves a good comedy. Oh, and the last bit of the trailer showing a near-naked Jennifer Aniston is sexy, rauchy and ... well, very funny.
Rating: B+
Sunday, July 09, 2006 10:02:00 PM
THE QUIET
"Isn't it time everyone hears your secrets?"
Sure. Who is the best person to share your darkest secret to? A deaf and mute person. The thriller sounds a winner already. But I have my reservation. The female leads are too pretty to be taken seriously? Most probably a chick-flick-slash-pyschological-thriller. From the trailer, my gut feeling tells me it wont't be a clever thriller.
Rating: C-
THE FOUNTAIN
"What if you could live forever?"
Another SFX-laden fantasy movie. Genre-mixing and too distracting. Too dreamy and too desperate for attention too? To make up for a weak story. The trailer reminds me WHAT DREAMS MAY COME. Not a good sign.
Rating: D
LITTLE MAN
Ok, I am going to be honest. I like WHITE CHICKS and the Wayans brothers are really funny. LITTLE MAN doesn't intrigue me as much as WHITE CHICKS and after watching the trailer ... it is making me sick. A midget disguises as a baby?! And there is a part which suggests the 'baby' had great sex with the 'mother' the night before. What the ...? This slapstick comedy hits new low!
Rating: F (most likely the grade I will give to the movie too.
Thursday, August 31, 2006 11:40:00 PM
THE MARINE
The trailer reminds me alot of THE TRANSPORTER. And is that a beefed-up Matt Damon? Nope, he is John Cena, a professional wrestler. Following the footsteps of The Rock? Well, if movies with THE ROCK selling well and THE MARINE looking a lot like THE TRANSPORTER, smells like a success formula.
Rating:B
THE QUEEN
Finally, a movie about Princess Diana and her mother-in-law HM Queen Elizabeth II or so, after the death of the princess. Playing the Queen is Helen Mirren who is, by far, the most-talked about nominee for Oscar Best Actress. A delicious character study. Hail to the queen!
Rating: A-
CASINO ROYALE
Never a fan of Bond movies but this one looks different. For one, this James Bond does not look as clean-looking and handsome as his predecessors. Hee. He even has his own out-of-the-water Ursula Andress-style. I got a good feeling about this James Bond movie already. It seems determined to re-invent itself.
Rating: B+
Monday, November 06, 2006 12:05:00 AM
LITTLE CHILDREN
Don't really like the widely acclaimed IN THE BEDROOM. LITTLE CHILDREN looks like another morality play on infidelity. The train is going to be a motif or it is an important plot device? Sounds irritating in the trailer...
Rating: B-
ALPHA DOG
Reminds me of THE WAY OF THE GUN. Star-studded, violent, tough-talking and very Quentin Tarantino. I like the posters and the music playing in the trailer. I like Justin Timberlake too, heavily tattooed and boyishly sexy. Surprisingly, this comes from Nick Cassavetes whose previous works include UNHOOK THE STARS and THE NOTEBOOK. Could ALPHA DOG be a marriage of his sentimentality and toughness? That would be interesting. Based on actual events of bored teenagers turning to crime for cheap thrills. I like that too!
Rating: A-
MEET THE ROBINSONS
What? Stealing ideas from MEET THE PARENTS, BACK TO THE FUTURE, THE INCREDIBLES, JURASSIC PARK? But wait, the trailer looks very funny and then it looks as nice as THE INCREDIBLES. I am keen to see this for a quick comic relief. Nevermind where all the ideas are stolen from. Don't be so bad. It is kiddie cartoon afterall, right not?
Rating: A-
Monday, November 06, 2006 12:10:00 AM
THE SIMPSONS MOVIE
Nope. The latest trailer is still as secretive as the teaser. I am dying to see this one because I am a great fan of THE SIMPSONS. I have been collecting the DVD series! I am so darn sure the movie will not disappoint me. It takes them so long to produce one movie after so many successful seasons. It must be darn good. It must be!
Rating: A-
THE GOOD SHEPHERD
The untold of the birth of CIA. Sure wouldn't mind another historical drama. It does look like a spy movie at the beginning and it begins to look mundane. But wait, Robert De Niro directs this one and boosts performances from 4 Oscar winners and Oscar-nominated Alec Baldwin. Oscar buzz is ringing already. I will be a good movie fan and catch this when it reaches local shores.
Rating: B+
BOBBY
The title refers to Robert F. Kennedy, little brother of JFK. The story revloves around 22 characters in the Ambassador Hotel where Robert F. Kennedy was gunned on that fateful night. Emilio Estevez is the director? That obscure actor? And is he wearing a hat too big for his head? His directorial debut is a Robert Altman-esque ensemble flim. Rather mixed reviews so far but from the trailer, it doesn't seem bad, at least not what my gut feeling tells me.
Rating: A-
Tuesday, December 05, 2006 1:01:00 AM
HALF NELSON
A movie about a teacher grappling with drug problems and looking for purpose ? Gee.. being a teacher myself, I am very keen to see this one. Ryan Gosling is receiving critical acclaim for his performance in this one. An indie which independent filmmakers will be proud of. A darker cousin of all the other feel-good movies about teachers? I hope it will come to our theatres someday.
Sunday, December 17, 2006 12:07:00 AM
3 NEEDLES
Had a chance to see this free but passed. Reviews from the netizens aren't that good though many praised the performances of Lucy Liu and Chloë Sevigny. Among the cast are Sandra Oh, Stockard Channing, Olympia Dukakis, all nominated in some acting categories before. Looks like a great woman's picture which is my cup of tea. Hopefully, I did not miss much but I will definitely catch this when the DVD is available is for rental.
Sunday, December 17, 2006 12:15:00 AM
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
The trailer starts with a scene of an America-educated Japanese promising his American friends the Japanese will never go into war with them. How ironical! I like this movie already. It is also one of the movies running for Best Picture. Won't Clint Eastwood mind being accused of taking sides with the Japanese? But I guess if the Japanese has a darn great story about courage, strong will and brotherhood to share, it doesn't matter if it comes from the side of the enemies.
Rating: A-
DREAMGIRLS
The one movie with the highest number of Oscar nominations that do not include Best Picture. But it won the Golden Globe for Best Drama. How strange. I feel kind of sad to know that DREAMGIRLS is shut out of the Best Picture race. Is it another rags-to-riches story in showbiz. Hope it is not as corny as the many others. If all things fail, the songs should keep me entertained? Of course, performances by Oscar first timers Eddie Murhphy and Jennifer Hudson. How art imitates life. Aren't their success story mirrors their characters in the movie.
Rating: B
BABEL
In the tradition of 21 GRAMS, BABEL is also about the interwining lives of the victims of a tragedy. Like 21 GRAMS but its non-linear story-telling can be very taxing to follow. BABEL looks interesting but I think better watch it while I am not sleepy. Somehow I have a thing for mass tragedy and ensemble acting. BABEL may give me what I want.
Rating: B
Friday, February 02, 2007 10:13:00 PM
SURF'S UP
Not another penguin animation. Like the beginning of the trailer. It is like someone is watching some home video and reminiscing. The footages look cool. So, a cartoon that is trying pass off as a documentary? That will be a first. By the way, based on the true story?
Rating: C+
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX
Daniel Radcliffe looks more than dashing than cuddly cute in this one. Very promising to be Hollywood's next leading man. Mine he is all grown up. Yup and he has a stage performance that requires him to go full frontal nudity, sparking off parental objection and there are plans to stop their children from seeing this latest Harry Potter movie. Well. They may not have missed out much. This instalment looks even darker and more mature. Am I keen to see it? Nope but since I have been following the Harry Potter movies, might as well catch this one too. But I am not going ga-ga over its arrival.
Rating: B
ARE WE DONE YET?
Oh, the sequel to ARE WE THERE YET? I remember I laughed out loud when I saw the trailer. Hmm... looks like the sequel looks tons of fun but ... feels being-there-done-that. But sure like what it says about fixing a house is much like building a family. Hope the critics and audience will not use the title after watching this.
Rating: C
Friday, February 02, 2007 10:45:00 PM
BLIND DATING
A new low for Hollywood? A comedy about a blind man dating girls. Sure they know it is a minefield to make a comedy out of something like that. But somehow I got a rather good feeling about this one. A comedy that reiterates love is blind and there is really something like love at first sight? Er, or without it.
Rating: B
DEAD SILENCE
Not DEAD CALM. Not THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. Any idiot can tell it is a horror movie. From the director of SAW. Sure it will arouse excitement of the fans of the SAW trilogy. Never saw the trilogy but keen to see it because of good word-of-mouth. DEAD SILENCE doesn't look like a cheap B-grade horror movie. I just hope it is also very smart. Hmm.. it is about time someone make a movie about those scary-looking vaudeville dolls.
Rating: B
PRIDE
Nope, but a gay movie but based on a true story of a black teacher called Jim Ellis who founded a swim team made up of troubled black teens. DANGEROUS MINDS meets the Japanese WATERBOYS. Looks corny but I am sure it will bring on a tear or two. Nobody really hates a life-affirming story. Oh Bernie Mac has a dramatic turn in this one.
Rating: B
Monday, April 02, 2007 10:48:00 PM
AFTER THE WEDDING
This year's Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Film. CASINO ROYALE's Mads Mikkelsen plays the lead who get invited to a wedding "champagne is poured... secrets are spilled". The critics' quotes in the trailer suggest a ride of suspense and unexpected plot twists. Great. These days, such a movie genre has become very rare. Oh, how I miss movies like THE USUAL SUSPECTS. Got a feeling AFTER THE WEDDING will be very watchable.
Rating: B
SNOW CAKE
It was shown at The Picturehouse but it is so obscure, I gave it a miss. Very disturbed characters finding solace in each other. That will strike a chord in me. Will be renting the DVD. It has been a long time. Sigourney Weaver plays an autistic mother and looks certain to steal the show. Also starring THE MATRIX trilogy's Carrie-Anne Moss and THE HARRY POTTER movies' Alan Rickman.
Rating: B-
THE PRISONER OR: HOW I PLANNED TO KILL TONY BLAIR
What an attention-grabbing movie title! It is a documentary that tells the story of a Iraqi journalist being mistaken as an assassin planning to off Tony Blair. From a review on the Internet, I was told it is going to be made up of home videos, embedded footage and even comic book art. Oh, these documenatries on wronged commoners and their harrowing brush with the so-called more intelligent higher authority can really get me all stirred up.
Rating: A-
Friday, April 06, 2007 9:18:00 PM
SHREK THE THIRD
Love the 1st and 2nd. The third? I am keen to see it but few sequels can be as good as its predecessors. I guess my worries are unfounded. SHREK THE THIRD could prove to be another hit. A gathering of the baddies from the fairy tales? Hee. Sounds fun already. Hope the release date will not be far far away. I can hardly wait.
Rating: A-
TMNT
Never a fan of the swashbuckling smart-talking talking turtles. Never will be. And I thought these turtles are history already? Why bring them back? Running out of fresh ideas? Bad choice. I would rather they bring back Superfriends or MASK, my two favourite childhood cartoon. TMNY looks very sleek and awe a little, but hey dude, I am still not impressed.
Rating: C
I PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY
Mine. Gay is really going mainstream. Two straight guys fake a gay marriage to get domestic partner benefits. What's that? Maybe some kind of funds for newlyweds to start a home, for staight and gay couples. Much like getting married for the green card, the two guys have to pretend to be a gay couple when people start knocking on their door to verify their marriage. Things do not get any better when their attorney is one hot babe Jessica Biel. Starring Adam Sandler and Kevin James from the TV "The King of Queens". Original and cute, this comedy most certainly smells like a gay success at the box office.
Rating: A-
Sunday, April 29, 2007 9:33:00 AM
MR. WOODCOCK
Nope. It is not a dirty movie. The title is the name of a very mean gym teacher, played by Billy Bob Thornton, who is now the boyfriend of a woman whose son he terrorised when he was little. Seann William Scott mostly plays the bully and it is interesting to see him play the victim for once. What an interesting concept. A comedy about a man who has to face a new dad who was his evil high school gym teacher.
Rating: B+
LES AMITIÉS MALÉFIQUES (POISON FRIENDS)
Like the name of this French movie already but from the trailer, I cannot put together what the story is about. It doesn't seem to correspond to the sypnosis. Bad feeling. Oh, by the way, French movies can really suck sometimes. This one may be one of the many.
Rating: D
BALLS OF FURY
It is not fair. We didn't get to see a lot of Maggie Q. But then again, it is an emsemble comedy. The gags of BALLS OF FURY are so funny that I am sure we will be having a ball of our time watching this. Sure smells like a blockbuster comedy already. Could this movie elevates Ping Pong to star status? That is what Chinese all over the world would hope to see.
Rating: A-
Tuesday, May 08, 2007 9:09:00 AM
EVAN ALMIGHTY
Not quite the sequel to BRUCE ALMIGHTY but close. Jim Carrey and Jennifer Aniston refuse to reprise their roles. But with Steve Carell in the leading role, this comedy looks very promising already. The trailer seems to confirm my good feeling towards the movie. The special effects are awesome too. I smell a box-office success and you don't have to be God to know that.
Rating: A-
HAIRSPRAY
John Travolta in drag? This, we all have to see. Oh, and the ever-so-ravishing Michelle Pfeiffer is finally back after a long hiatus. The 2007's HAIRSPRAY seems determined to bring back the heyday of GREASE and the other really over-the-top gay musicals. Frankly speaking, I really think this is going to win Best Musical/Comedy at Golden Globes next year.
Rating: A
BUG
William Friedkin is the guy who made THE EXORCIST. This guy has not being making any good movies since THE EXORCIST, which was made like ... 3 decades ago. BUG smells like a desperate attempt for William Friedkin to go back to his success formula and see if he still has it. What is Ashley Judd doing in a trashy film like this? Looks really scary though and very B-grade too. And, the title can never sound dumber.
Rating: C-
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 8:34:00 PM
WAITRESS
Director Adrienne Shelly died before the movie is released. Sorry to say this but going by the good word-of-mouth and the death of a promising female director, Oscar is likely to love this movie. Keri Russell is likely to be nominated too for her breakthrough performance. Her accent is endearing. Oh did I mention WAITRESS is an indie and a feminist coming-of-age tale? Ha, the ingredients for a hot Oscar contender, not?
Rating: B+
AWAY FROM HER
A good year for actresses I guess. And an encouraging year for woman directors too. The movie is directed by a very young Sarah Polley. From the look of the trailer, the movie seems to have a lot of emotional depth. Julie Christie looks set to score another nod for Best Actress? She plays a woman afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease and you know this kind of role is Oscar bait.
Rating: A-
GEORGIA RULE
Yup. Yet another dream movie for actresses. Oscar alumni Felicity Hoffman and Jane Fonda, and Lindsay Lohan promise brilliant performances in the trailer of this mother-and-daughter dramedy. Looks like it won't be another whining chick flick. Gee... mark my words, next year, Oscar is going to have a hard time choosing its best five leading ladies.
Rating: A-
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 9:40:00 PM
RISE: BLOOD HUNTER
A vampire show or an feministic ass-kicking chick flick? I love Lucy Liu and I think she deserves more than this tacky B-grade movie.
Rating: D
LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD
Have seen all the DIE HARD movies so far. Should I continue the streak with this one? Heard it gets better. Like both trailers. Wall-to-wall heartstopping action. Really really love that part of a flying car landing on two cars, narrowly killing Bruce Willis. All I hope it also comes with a good story and witty dialogue.
Rating: B+
FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER
Wow. These days, the SFX movies never fail to amaze me endlessly. They keep drawing us in the cinema to have an eyeful of what is already so thrilling in the trailer. I hope the best parts are not all already in the trailer. Love the part of Jessica Alba stopping a chopper wearing that wedding gown. Coolest bride ever. But no matter how fantastic it looks, I am saving the bucks and wait patiently for the DVD release. Call it the rise of DVD rental. Ha!
Rating: B+
Monday, June 25, 2007 11:34:00 PM
KNOCKED UP
From the director of THE-40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN, do expect the same sweetness from his latest outing. The plot outline is how two strangers fall in love and prepare for parenthood... after a one night stand gets the girl pregnant. Do we frown at that? Hey, I think if the sex comedy teaches us something, it has my blessings. I am prepared to be knocked out by the gags.
Rating: B+
1408
John Cusack in a horror movie? That is something new. But since the movie is based on a book by horror master, Stephen King, 1408 should promise some pretty clever scares. Apparently, most of the action takes place in the titular hotel room. It is already an idea very intriguing. Hope 1408 is not another forgettable story that happens in a haunted hotel. Do not forget we are talking about the same writer whose THE SHINING was made into one of the best horror movies ever.
Rating: B+
MR. BROOKS
Kevin Costner is not a bad actor at all if he puts his heart into his work. He is very good in THE UPSIDE OF ANGER. RUMOUR HAS IT gathered some pretty good praises for him too. Now, MR. BROOKS is going to call for him to show us some real acting chops. Once voted as the worst actor of the year, it is interesting to see him pairing up with another Razzie winner, Demi Moore. Surprisingly, William Hurt has some very very limited exposure in the trailer. Does that mean he has a very small role? He plays the titular psychopath's alter ego. Something like A BEAUTIFUL MIND? The trailer seems keen to sell the thriller's action but I hope it has a brain too.
Rating: B
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Wednesday, June 27, 2007 10:21:00 PM
EVENING
Dear. Glenn Close. Meryl Streep. Toni Collette. Vanessa Redgrave. It is hard not to be taken seriously by Oscars. How did Lajos Koltai, a very new director, manage to gather such a stellar cast? It is Michael Cunningham's charm actually. He is the one who wrote THE HOURS. EVENING is likely to be an Oscar darling. Who won't look forward to EVENING, especially the women? The terrific performance, the stirring music and a moving tale.
Rating: A-
RATATOUILLE
Another charmer from Pixar. You know the one who brought to us CARS, FINDING NEMO, THE INCREDIBLES etc. Can this latest Pixar movie go wrong? You must be on Mars to say it will. Boosting a largely unknown cast, Pixar must have known that big names may not necessarily translate into big talents. Judging from the trailer, it seems that Pixar is set to tell yet another wonderfully entertaining story! Plus the rat looks so ultra-cute!
Rating: A+
SICKO
Already love the title and I love even more the tagline - "This might hurt a little". Trust Michael Moore to entertain me endlessly with his shocking revelation to the American system. After FAHRENHEIT 9/11, I guess I also need to exercise caution not to take everything he says wholesale. SICKO looks fun to watch and I don't think I will ever get sick of his documentary films. Oh, by the way, I simply love his Bush-bashing.
Rating: A
Thursday, June 28, 2007 10:49:00 PM
A MIGHTY HEART
Is Angelina Jolie going to score another Oscar nod for her performance in this one? I sure hope so. Love her accent in the trailer already. Based on actual events, though this ignorant man has not heard anything of it. I don't mind attending a history lesson and sure of course for Mrs Brad Pitt, one of the finest and hottest actresses around.
Rating: B
LICENSE TO WED
Very funny. With Robin Williams around how that can't be? Oh, love his little sidekick too. Reminds of ANGER MANAGEMENT, a comedy about a shrink using extreme measures in doing his job. LICENSE TO WED is about a marriage counselor who puts a young couple through a very gruelling marriage preparation course. Sounds fun eh? I really laughed out loud at some parts. Hey and is the title a pun to "License to Kill"?
Rating: B+
SUPERBAD
Ugly leads. Plain-as-hell poster. And it is called SUPERBAD. Ha! is that referring to itself? Think not, dudes. I think it is going to be a runaway hit! A damn hilarious trailer. A comeback of the revenge of the nerds. They can be so super-nerd, they are also super-funny.
Rating: A-
Sunday, July 01, 2007 10:57:00 PM
FAY GRIM
From the plot synopis, this is like a sequel to a movie called HENRY FOOL. Huh? I haven't heard of that. Parker Posey plays the same character. Hal Hartley is the director of both films and hey, we share the same birthday! FAY GRIM looks very offbeat, as one reviewer claims, but I am not sure if it is as fantastic as the same reviewer claims to be. Single mom, espionage, comedy? Not having a good gut feeling.
Rating: C
I AM LEGEND
Good to see Will Smith in yet another leading role. He is fast to follow in the footsteps of Denzel Washington, another very well-respected black actor. Though laden with some really awesome special effects, like a deserted Times Square and empty streets of New York city, a vampire film like I AM LEGEND should have more bites.
Rating: B-
THE TV SET
Another cool-sounding comedy. An idealistic TV director has to cope with a ratings-crazy television network president, an ignorant actress and a pregnant wife who is less than understanding. Some lines are really funny especially like the one about the movie TAXI DRIVER. Directed by Jake Kasdan who made ORANGE COUNTY, I am sure THE TV SET should not disappoint.
Rating: B+
Sunday, July 01, 2007 11:49:00 PM
THE GOLDEN COMPASS
This years' NARNIA, promising a child's adventure with a talking polar bear and a beautiful witch played by Nicole Kidman. Based on a Philip Pullman's book. Hard to tell what it is all about from the trailer. Hopefully it has its bearings right and not steer into trashville.
Rating: B-
UNDERDOG
Ha! A superhero movie ... for the dogs. Wait. Don't underestimate this underdog yet. The special effects are awesome, almost determined to give all the other superhero movies a run for their money. I just hope no animals are hurt in the process. Now, this could begin a new genre with animals replacing real actors in a superhero movie. What's next? An Oscar epic with talking animals? You never can know.
Rating: B+
TALK TO ME
I say give Don Cheadle another run for Oscars. Damn it. Make him the year's Best Actor. His performance is 'smoking', judging from the trailer alone. TALK TO ME is funny and inspired by a true story of Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene Jr., an ex-convict becoming a senstational controversial Washington D.C. radio DJ in the 60s. Could jolly well be another critically acclaimed biopic. I wondered why the story is 'inspired' and not 'based on'? Anyway, I sure do hope the audience are inspired after watching the movie.
Rating: B+
Saturday, July 21, 2007 11:00:00 AM
BECOMING JANE
I am just glad to know that Anne Hathaway got to play Jane Austen. Kate Winslet, Natalie Portman and Keira Knightley were all once considered for the role. She is great in BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN and THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, and she is more than just another doll face. Since the movie is not based on any book or other written materials, I am wondering to what extent this biography is true. Like how I look forward to PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY and other film adaptations of Jane Austen, this one about the lady herself should not be missed at all.
Rating: B+
WHO'S YOUR CADDY?
Another black comedy in the same realm as WHITE CHICKS, THE NUTTY PROFESSOR etc. Somehow, their sense of humour is much better. There have fart jokes too but funnier. Always welcome the comedy of an underdog versus the snobbish big shots. Boasting a very new cast of black comedians, WHO'S YOUR CADDY? may springboard a few good careers for them.
Rating: B+
RUSH HOUR 3
Have not seen a single RUSH HOUR movie and don't intend to anyway. Who needs another cheap imitation of LETHAL WEAPON and not forget making fun of Chinese speaking English? Jackie Chan speaks better English this time though but everything else seems to be in the same old rut. Plus more jokes on Chinese? I sure hope they are done in good taste.
Rating: C
Sunday, July 22, 2007 9:28:00 PM
2 DAYS IN PARIS
Julie Delpy directs what seems to be a movie inspired by BEFORE SUNRISE and BEFORE SUNSET. Only this time, it is a straight-out comedy about an American coping with culture shock while visiting Paris with his French girlfriend. Looks like a very promising comedy. I am sure given Julie Delpy, a French actress working in America, she must know how to milk laughs from a fish-out-of-the-water comedy about an American in Paris.
Rating: A-
DECEMBER BOYS
Daniel Radcliffe is carving a career outside the HARRY POTTER movies. This little indie about four close orphaned boys vying for attention of a same family promises many touching life-affirming moments. Got a very good feeling about this one.
Rating: A-
THE GAME PLAN
Trust Walt Disney to come up with another very family-friendly comedy. Famous wrestler-turn-actor, The Rock in his possibly first comedy plays a star quarterback, not exactly having a ball, coping with his stardom and his precocious daughter. Looks very heartwarming and promises moving father-and-daughter moments. If the whole game plan is to keep using the same successful ingredients for a box-office hit, I am not objecting to yet another family entertainment.
Rating: B+
Sunday, July 22, 2007 10:23:00 PM
THIS IS ENGLAND
Missed DEAD MAN'S SHOES when it had a short stint at Cathay cineams. THIS IS ENGLAND is based on the childhood memories of Shane Meadows, the director of both films. The lead is played by Thomas Turgoose, a very young actor who never acted before. From the trivia at imdb.com, he demanded money to appear for auditions! Not bad for a small investment, his performance garners for him a Best Newcomer at the British Independent Film Awards which apparently loves the movie to name this their Best Film.
Rating: B+
I KNOW WHO KILLED ME
Oh. How exaggerating a title can be! A ghost story, perhaps? Try a psychodrama with a possibly very intriguing premise. A woman, who regains consciousness after escaping from her abductor, claims she is not who others think she is and she is bent to find out ... you know, refer to the title. I have a gut feeling that this may not be as dumb as it sounds. If the mystery material is handled with craft, it may be a very clever and gripping thriller. Seems like Lindsay Lohan has found her dream role to execute her acting chops. Knock them out, Lindsay!
Rating: B+
INTO THE WILD
Directed by Sean Penn! What a surprise. Initially looking like a road trip movie, the trailer of INTO THE WILD seems to promise more. It is a grandly moving spiritual journey of a man, crossing the wilderness after abandoning all his possessions. Trust Sean Penn to deliver a darn good movie.
Rating: B+
Tuesday, July 24, 2007 9:13:00 PM
ARTIC TALE
From the producers of MARCH OF THE PENGUINS. For fans of the Oscar-winning documentary, that tagline works like a charm. ARTIC TALE centers on two species, not one, the walrus and the polar bears. Tell you, the polar cub plush toys are going to be hot items when the documentary hits town. Well, to be cold frank, the trailer of ARTIC TALE looks boring. I hope it is not what it seems to be. And pray it won't be something going at a glacial pace.
Rating: C
MOLIÈRE
The art direction and costumes have swept me off my feet. It is SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE meets CYRANO DE BERGERAC. Is the story fictional or events-based? Looks fun to watch as a witty comedy. But standard of French flicks can really vary. Some are brilliant while others are slapstick and air-headed.
Rating: B-
RESCUE DAWN
Oliver Stone would be proud of this movie. Based on the true events that happened to this American pilot after he was shot down on a mission over Laos at the Vietnam war. This movie is about his 'epic struggle of survival'. Epic, that is the word. RESCUE DAWN looks promising as a life-affirmer. Just hope it won't fall into the runt of corniess.
Rating: B
Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:38:00 PM
LUST, CAUTION
This is the long-awaited movie from Ang Lee after BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. Bet audiences in both the West and East are dying to see his new movie. An espionage thriller set in Shanghai. That is an Ang Lee's first. Sure hope he can pull it off, though I still prefer his family-themed movies, like PUSHING HANDS and EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN.
Rating: B
LADY CHATTERLEY
Saw a very cheap-looking adaptation of D.H. Lawrence's LADY CHATTERLEY many years ago at the old Cathay cinema. About time for another adaptation to do justice to the still very controversial novel, which some condemn it as porn. This French version comes with impressive accolades. It won 5 big French Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress. Ha! Only the French know how to make porn arty.
Rating: B+
DADDY DAY CAMP
While Eddie Murphy has moved on to new heights in his career, Oscar winner Cuba Gooding, Jr. has that infamous Oscar curse. DADDY DAY CAMP is obviously supposedly the sequel to DADDY DAY CARE ditched by Eddie Murphy. It looks fun to watch children making a big mess of everything and saying the darnest things. The spotlight will be on them. Cuba may simply play second fiddle to them. Maybe Eddie Murphy shouldn't fret over his loss at the Oscars.
Rating: D
Saturday, July 28, 2007 8:45:00 AM
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