Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

USA 2014

Details IMDB

Seen 12 July 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.7

Rotten tomatoes 7.9

My impressions

Time and again man as a species show their unsavoury characteristics. As a group, man has not learned their lessons in life. Nothing is gained from being or assuming to be the superior race. All of us on this planet are a part of the ecosystem. A fine balance that should not be tempered.

Arrogance never pays.

Maleficent

USA 2014

Details IMDB

Seen 21 June 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.0

Rotten tomatoes 5.7

My impressions

A different take on the evil stepmother that is usually potrayed in fairy tales. She has a different background and we can emphatise with her actions. Circumstances took her to a different path and as always love saves the day.

The strong selling point is of course Angelina Jolie in the title role. You can sense that evil incarnate oozing from her every pore. A look from her is enough to strike fear. Enough said.

Godzilla

USA 2014

Details IMDB

Seen 18 June 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.5

Rotten tomatoes 6.6

My impressions

A fun evening watching good versus evil. Put aside the pyrotechnics, script or nothing to shout about acting, I just enjoyed the fighting sequences. How humanity depends on others to save them. No prizes for guessing who brought this all on themselves in the first place.

It was a pleasant surprise to see Ken Watanabe and Juliette Binoche here. Wonders never cease.

X-Men: Days of Future Past

USA 2014

Details IMDB

Seen 26 May 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.6/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.6/10

The X-Men send Wolverine to the past in a desperate effort to change history and prevent an event that results in doom for both humans and mutants

My Ratings .8.0/10

My impressions

The action sequence is adequate but the story depends a lot on the dialogue. The inner struggles of the Professor and Magneto during their younger days gives a glimpse of why they are such adversaries.

Would Wolverine be able to change the course of history. Everyone is rooting for him to succeed and we are still unsure until almost to the very end of the film.

Enjoyable.

Rio 2

USA 2014

Details IMDB

Seen 1 March 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.7/10

Rotten tomatoes 5.4/10

It's a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids after they're hurtled from Rio de Janeiro to the wilds of the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-beak with the vengeful Nigel, and meets his father-in-law

My Ratings .6.0/10

My impressions

The chance encounter

That they might be others still alive

Leads the family into the wilds

The father is not too pleased

As he has never been in that environment

It takes such an effort to make the adjustment

Every step seems like a misstep

Every effort ends clumsily

Ever the laughing stock of others

Who do not regard him highly

Until he proves that

There can be mutual benefits

When one helps another

As some of the enemies

Are actually comrades in arms

Pompeii

Canada 2014

Details IMDB

Seen 1 March 2014

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 5.7/10

Rotten tomatoes 4.5/10

A slave-turned-gladiator finds himself in a race against time to save his true love, who has been betrothed to a corrupt Roman Senator. As Mount Vesuvius erupts, he must fight to save his beloved as Pompeii crumbles around him

My Ratings .5.0/10

My impressions

The special effects is commendable. The script does not add anything new to the well known tale of Pompeii being buried after Mount Vesuvius erupts. It is an uphill task trying to find a new twist to a well known tale. The actor who plays the main character is of course a pleasant eye candy for his well defined body.

That might be the main theme of the film. Eye candy for an evening at the cinemas.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 30 December 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.1/10

Rotten tomatoes 6.8/10

The dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey, continue their quest to reclaim Erebor, their homeland, from Smaug. Bilbo Baggins is in possession of a mysterious and magical ring

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

The adventure continues and the quest for the magical ring is fraud with danger. The good guys band together in their fight against the dark forces. We anticipate every move. Is it a step nearer to their goal or the end for all of them. A roller coaster thrill a minute awaits the audience. Enjoy.

Kolumpo

Malaysia 2013

Details wikipedia

Seen 18 December 2013

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

Three stories with Kuala Lumpur, the capital city as a background.

A story on foreign workers, an old lady who lost her way home and an encounter with an unconventional girl.

Three new directors were given the task of showcasing their talents in this compilation. The actors involved were a mix of the old and new. A refreshing look at ordinary lives. The script helped a lot in making the storyline short and sweet.

A full fledged more than half an hour movie might be the test neede whether the scriptwriters and directors have what it takes to go on the long haul.

Fresh ideas and new talents are always welcomed to give another perspective in the Malaysian film making industry.

A commendable effort.

Hunger Ganes: Catching Fire

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 30 November 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.8/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.5/10

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

The tale continues. It is much more engrossing as the plot thickens as we are prepared for the next instalment.

The producers have done their best to balance the action sequences, technical aspects and special effects to give a satisfying watch.

The fight between those in power

And those who are down trodden

Seeking freedom and equality

A better world for everyone

The struggle continues

It is not easy

Of Snails and Men (Despre oameni si melci)

Romania 2012

Details IMDB

Seen 24 November 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.3/10

1992, Michael Jackson's Dangerous tour comes to Bucharest but in the small city of Câmpulung, Romania one of the most important factories is being closed, leaving 1000 people out of work.

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

The livelihood of many
Are in jeopardy
There is just darkness in front

Until one gave an idea
An idea so out of the ordinary
That at first it is rejected by many
Until the hard facts are known
They have to make the best of things

Despite misgivings
Many are supportive
Until the dream is shattered
Their effort comes to naught

The future is bleak
Unless another idea comes along

Workers

Mexico 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 24 November 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.3/10

After a whole life of work at Tijuana, Rafael and Lidia are victims of injustice against their rights and dignity

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

Two lives
Separated by a past event
Unknowingly take similar steps

Two lives, and others too
Those at the bottom
Of the social order
Just surviving
Until opportunity knocks

The end justifies the means
In this case
That might be true 

 

The Cleaner (El limpiador)

Peru 2012

Details IMDB

Seen 23 November 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.3/10

A forensic cleaner will become accountable for an 8-year-old orphan who has been left behind in the middle of an epidemic crisis in Lima

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

In the midst of a calamity
Two souls find each other
No ties
Strangers

Humanity dictates
A fellow human being who is in need
Should be helped as much as you can

Endless help
Is that an option
Or will there be a stop

When those in need
Will be able to stand on their own

Cambodia after farewell

Cambodia 2013

Details bophana

Seen 23 November 2013

A journey to find out what happened to the family left behind during the Khmer Rouge days.

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

The lost time
A nightmare
Those not directly involved
Can only imagine

The atrocities, suffering
Despair

Only the survivors
Will be able to tell
Or maybe won't
As the memories
The wounds, scars
Remain

Testimony
To a time
No one could have imagined

Happened

Exchange (Palitan)

Philippines 2012

Details filmbiz

Seen 23 November 2013

A man in debt, the wife who wants to help and a boss who sees opportunities.

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

How much is the price of an exchange
In a material world
Money seems to be the final arbitrator
The deciding factor

The charade continues
All involved under a delusion

Until the incriminating evidence
Triggers an explosive response

Has justice been served

Tom at the farm (Tom à la ferme)

France 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 23 November 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.1/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.2/10

A grieving man meets his lover's family, who were not aware of their son's sexual orientation

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

A friend, lover
His time has gone
Now is the time to come to terms
Visiting the family offering condolences

Surprises awaiting
Denial, lies

The shock changes to acceptance
Not entirely
As the facts finally anchor

This is not the place for love to bloom

Stray Dogs (Jiao You)

Taiwan 2013

Details asianwiki

Seen 22 November 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.2/10

Rotten tomatoes 9.6/10

An alcoholic man and his two young children barely survive in Taipei. They cross path with a lonely grocery clerk who might help them make a better life

My Ratings .8.0/10

My impressions

Strays, the unwanted, the abandoned

Some feel for them
Out of pity, concern

Others take responsibility
Making their lives better
A life of dignity

When those who is
Supposedly responsible
Are also facing hard times
The pressures of making a living

What will happen to the strays 

 

Harmonica's Howl (O Uivo da Gaita)

Brazil 2013

Details wikipedia

Seen 22 November 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 3.7/10

A young couple, Pedro and Antônia, have their relationship weakening after meeting Luana. Romance, seduction, fear and anguish from the future are established in this story of liquid love

My Ratings .5.0/10

My impressions

Discordant notes
Appearing slowly

On the surface
All is normal
But the third party
Plays a significant role

It might be a fling
A temporary affair
No assurances

Let it flow
Take its course

Hope it will end happily
For all involved 

 

Village of Hope (Wang Pi Kul)

Thailand 2013

Details worldfilmbkk

Seen 22 November 2013

Far away in the countryside, there is a small farmer village called Wang Pi Kul. Sorn, a young soldier, comes back here to visit his home town.

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

Children, parents
Failed relationships
Whither reconciliation
Is there any hope

A child now of age
Has to stand on his own

The family is there
The stabilising factor
The backbone that
Supports, cajoles

The honeymoon is over
One has to face reality
Time to give
Not just to receive

It can be taken away
Without warning

The Moving Creatures (O Que Se Move)

Brazil 2013

Details miamifestival

Seen 22 November 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.3/10

Three families, in three different situations, have to deal with a sudden change in their lives, caused by a loss or a re encounter.

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

Mixed feelings
Strange, inexplicable

What can it be
A sense of loss
Regrets, remorse

Attachment to the one you love
Whether through his growing up years
The few years he was an infant
Or even now after so many years have passed

Feelings undeniable
To be together, close to each other

Even though time
Has its constraints
We try and make the best
Of what we have and
That has been given

It can be taken away
Without warning