April, 2008

Forbidden Kingdom

April 19, 2008 * Comments(0)

Forbidden Kingdom

Starring: Collin Chou, Yifei Liu, Jackie Chan, Michael Angarano, Jet Li
Directed By: Rob Minkoff
Released By: 18th April 2008
Run Time: 105 mins.
Genre: Action

An American teenager obsessed with martial arts makes an exciting discovery in a pawnshop in Chinatown. It appears to be the legendary stick weapon of the Monkey King, the infamous Chinese sage and warrior. He is transported back into time to Ancient China where he meets a band of martial arts warriors and joins them on their journey to save an imprisoned Monkey King (Jet Li).

One thing about THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM is that you won’t enjoy the movie if you’re walking into the theatre with a full magazine to empty into the screen. Judging from the trailer, it’s clear the movie’s intended audience are teens and yes, this one will probably garner ‘Best fighting scene‘ at the MTV Movie Awards than Best Script/Acting at the Oscars. I won’t exactly review this movie as it’s best enjoyed by watching it with a blank canvas in your mind. For me, I was just looking to be entertained for two hours and THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM does its job. Chinese period movies these days from (e.g. Empress and Her Warriors, Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of The Dragon), epic as they may be in production standards often turn out to be disappointments. As for Cinema Online’s bewilderment why English can be spoken in ancient China, I can only explain it by citing a scene from THE THIRTEENTH WARRIOR. In it, Antonio Banderas’ Saracen swordsman character essentially ‘tuned in’ to the frequency of the Viking warriors and learned their language. To quote his character:”I listened.” And since THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM is a fantasy movie, that makes ‘why they can speak english?’ even easier to explain. Jacky Chan’s character merely tuned the Caucasian teen from 98.7FM to 93.3FM. Hope others had fun with this movie like I did.

Movie Review (A-)

Its too late to apologise.

April 16, 2008 * Comments(0)

How can I be myself when the people I meet are forcing me to reveal a part of me that I hate?

I’m sorry.

~I’m damaged and complicated. ~

Definitely, Maybe

April 13, 2008 * Comments(0)

Definitely, Maybe


Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Rachel Weisz, Isla Fisher, Elizabeth Banks
Directed By: Adam Brooks
Released By: 10th April 2008
Run Time: 112 mins.
Genre: Romance / Comedy

Ryan Reynolds stars as Will Hayes, a 30-something Manhattan dad in the midst of a divorce when his 10 year-old daughter, Maya (Abigail Breslin), starts to question him about his life before marriage. Written and directed by Adam Brooks (of “Wimbeldon”, “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason” and “French Kiss”).

This movie will deifnitely be something worth remembering as one of those feel-good movie specially for those who have gone through separation. It takes a look at realities of separation and a dreamy sequence on acceptance. Though how most divorcees would dream of such dreamy ending to happen, rarely does it happen to all. Maybe too deep for single or 1st time married people but it is fun to watch. Good acting of Abigail Breslin (Maya). Wish they could’ve given her more lines and scenes.

Movie Review (A)

Three Kingdoms: Resurrection Of The Dragon

April 9, 2008 * Comments(0)

Three Kingdoms: Resurrection Of The Dragon

 


Starring: Sammo Hung, Andy Lau, Maggie Q, Vanness Wu
Directed By: Daniel Lee
Released By: 3rd April 2008
Run Time: 100 mins.
Genre: Drama / Action

His country torn asunder by civil war, Zhao (Andy Lau), a commoner, heeds the call of duty. From the humblest of roots, he rises through the ranks on wings of courage to command an army charged with liberating the land from an evil warlord. Inspired by action, honour and a dream of unifying his divided nation, Zhao’s heroism becomes a legend. But as the years pass and the throne changes hands, the war still rages on. When a newly enthroned king decides peace can only be achieved by defeating the warlords once and for all, Zhao embarks on his final and greatest campaign - a road to adventure that will crown his name in glory for all time.

Despite so many negative review, I still went to watch it as I wish to judge it myself. A hardcore fan of three kingdoms expectations of the movie relatively high. Starting Zhao Zilong(Andy Lau) join Liu Bei’s Army as recruits? How come? And there is a Luo Ping An, who is he? Just another friction character like Cao Ying. Worst thing is the brotherhood of Zhao Yun and Luo Ping An. If I didnt remember wrongly, Zhao Yun only become sworn brother of Zhao Fan and no one else. Luo Ping An is more like an extra in the movie. Somemore when Liu Bei see Zhao Yun, he didnt recongised him. In the three kingdom history, Liu Bei already know Zhao Yun since his time when Gongsun Zan. Vanessa Wu as Guan Ping, his scene last for few minutes even lesser than Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. The scene of Zhao Yun saving Ah Dou is the only scene following the three kingdom history but somehow still have some changes like Liu Bei’s wife is already dead(when supposed that the wife throw herself into the well). Zhao Yun fought off all wei soldiers with valour, somehow, he managed to attack Cao Cao and snatched his sword which is totally untrue. The truth is Zhao Yun got the sword through killing Xiahou En(Cao Cao give the sword to Xiahou En). What makes me confused is when did Deng Zhi got three brothers??? Zhao Yun should already have Zhao Tong and Zhao Guang in his old age. But I didnt see them in the movie. Being left out? As a summary, the whole movie is disappointing for hardcore fans of three kingdoms like me. Hopefully in june the Red Cliff will be the better one.
Movie Review (C-)

Happy Birthday to me!!!

April 1, 2008 * Comments(0)

Happy Birthday to me!!!

 
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d1/kelvinanthony/BdayPresent.jpg