Closed Circuit

UK 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 21 September 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.1/10

Rotten tomatoes 5.4/10

A high-profile terrorism case unexpectedly binds together two ex-lovers on the defense team - testing the limits of their loyalties and placing their lives in jeopardy

My Ratings .6.0/10

My impressions

The evidence is there but is not for public consumption. There are other forces with an interest who wants it unknown and hidden. Once exposed, the domino effect might take place. That would certainly not be in anyone's interest.

That is the argument given to persuade those who want to pursue the truth. Truth is not always palatable as there is a bitter after taste for those involved.

Would it be worth the effort to trudge on? There are consequences affecting all in the circle.

Prisoners

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 20 September 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.1/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.3/10

When Keller Dover's daughter and her friend go missing, he takes matters into his own hands as the police pursue multiple leads and the pressure mounts. But just how far will this desperate father go to protect his family?

My Ratings .7.5/10

My impressions

Tense throughout from the word go. A missing child, distraught parents and a seemingly impotent police force. The officers try their best within their powers to solve the crime. The father has his own ideas. He believes he has the answer and the methods he use will get him the daughter back.

I wonder whether anyone in the same situation would resort to the same measures as the incident involves a loved one. It might seem extreme but maybe that was needed in this case. Or do we follow the rules to the letter?

Jobs

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 15 September 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 5.9/10

Rotten tomatoes 4.9/10

The story of Steve Jobs' ascension from college dropout into one of the most revered creative entrepreneurs of the 20th century

My Ratings .5.0/10

My impressions

Steve Jobs synonymous with Apple Computers makes a very compelling subject for the screen. He might be nerdy but he does have ideas. He is also determined to have his own way whenever he has set his mind on a project.

That trait of his might not be to everyone's liking but it has shown dividends. Apple will always be remembered as his baby. A product that is on so many wish list.

The film is just a glimpse of that man. In the end, we could never be privy to his actual self.

Elysium

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 7 September 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.7/10

Rotten tomatoes 6.5/10

In the year 2154, the very wealthy live on a man-made space station while the rest of the population resides on a ruined Earth. A man takes on a mission that could bring equality to the polarized world

My Ratings .6.5/10

My impressions

A rich and poor world planned in such a way that they will never ever meet. That is of course until one man decided otherwise.

The stark difference between the two classes encompasses all aspects of their lives that a different future might be in store if and when our hero succeeds in his mission.

A very tiny chance that can happen with all the powers in the hands of the rich. He still tries and we wish him success.

RIPD

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 3 August 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 5.6/10

Rotten tomatoes 3.6/10

A recently slain cop joins a team of undead police officers working for the Rest in Peace Department and tries to find the man who murdered him

My Ratings .5.0/10

My impressions

An interesting premise and I'm quite certain many would love to have the same opportunity of finding who has caused their demise.

Partnering a veteran in the department, the main character takes some time to adjust to his new situation. His own past experience as a police officer when he was alive helped in the transition period.

A movie to be seen with lots of popcorn. 

 

Red 2

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 27 July 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.7/10

IMDB 5.4/10

Retired C.I.A. agent Frank Moses reunites his unlikely team of elite operatives for a global quest to track down a missing portable nuclear device

My Ratings .6.0/10

My impressions

The elite squad of old timers are at it again. The mission needs all the skills and experience that each member has to ensure its success. They would encounter obstacles along the way but the wily team with their past triumphs are not to be taken lightly.

The bad guys made a big mistake if they thought this motley crew of elders can be dismissed easily. They have not seen anything yet.

The Wolverine (2013)

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 27 July 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.8/10

Rotten tomatoes 6.3/10

When Wolverine is summoned to Japan by an old acquaintance, he is embroiled in a conflict that forces him to confront his own demons

My Ratings .6.5/10

My impressions

The past catches up with our hero and that is beginning of another adventure. His desire to help gets him into more complicated situations beyond his control. Unknown to him, others have other plans for his superpowers.

The deceit and lies to gain his confidence lead to further entanglement. Will he be able to cast aside forever the past demons?

The Lone Ranger

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 14 July 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.6/10

Rotten tomatoes 4.9/10

Native American warrior Tonto recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid, a man of the law, into a legend of justice

My Ratings .6.0/10

My impressions

A recollection on how the Lone Ranger legend started. This is from his sidekick's point of view which does give emphasis on his own role in the saga.

The story has its twists and turns that satisfy our yearning for adventure. Those who want a deeper look into the psyche of our hero might be a bit disappointed as that is not the main aim of this movie.

Enjoy the fun ride. 

 

Man of Steel

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 14 July 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.4/10

Rotten tomatoes 6.2/10

A young itinerant worker is forced to confront his secret extrastellar origin when Earth is invaded by members of his own race

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

The saga continues and our superhero has to confront his countrymen in this instalment. In this version, we see him growing up and trying to live a normal life. Alas, that plan is waylaid by the appearance of the bad guys and they are his nemesis from times gone by.

The fight affects the Earth and our superhero has to rise to the occasion. 

 

Pacific Rim

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 14 July 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.1/10

Rotten tomatoes 6.7/10

As a war between humankind and monstrous sea creatures wages on, a former pilot and a trainee are paired up to drive a seemingly obsolete special weapon in a desperate effort to save the world from the apocalypse

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

Desperate times need desperate measures even though others have objections to the plans.

In the beginning it was just cordial acknowledgments as fellow colleagues. Bit by bit mutual respect developed between the two until a strong bond is forged. Could the two together save the world from total disaster?

We will definitely root for them. 

 

Monsters University

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 30 June 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.5/10

Rotten tomatoes 6.8/10

A look at the relationship between Mike and Sulley during their days at Monsters University -- when they weren't necessarily the best of friends

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

Open eyed, in awe, everything seemed to offer so much promise when entering the college of your dreams. This will be the beginning of a successful life where long lasting friendships will be forged and maybe even falling in love with someone that your heart desire. That is the dream.

The reality is always a hard knock on your senses. All is not rosy and even those who are supposed to take an interest in your education seemed intent on breaking your will power.

It was an exhilarating roller coaster ride of joy and despair, disappointments and triumphs. A wonderful watch.

World War Z

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 29 June 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.1/10

Rotten tomatoes 6.2/10

United Nations employee Gerry Lane traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments, and threatening to destroy humanity itself

My Ratings .6.5/10

My impressions

Zombie attack is quite a common theme in many movies but this particular version has a different modus operandi. The epidemic seems unstoppable unless our hero manages to outwit the zombies.

The proceedings might be uneven but the film is saved by the main character and supporting cast.

Will there ever be a hero as in the movies when and if humanity needs saving? Hopefully, we will not come to that stage.

After Earth

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 8 June 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 5.0/10

Rotten tomatoes 3.8/10

A crash landing leaves Kitai Raige and his father Cypher stranded on Earth, a millennium after events forced humanity's escape

My Ratings .5.0/10

My impressions

As far as science fiction goes, this film does have the usual pyrotechnics. A good premise, the earth in the future with all its beauty and dangers intact. A father and son team finding themselves stranded on this unfamiliar terrain. Their fate uncertain unless help comes as soon as possible.

The adventure begins.

Despite the potential in this lurking danger situation and help from the technical department enhancing the special effects, the film fails in engaging the audience. The script is run of the mill and does not have the high points when we can empathise with the main characters. As a result, the actors are unable to rise above a mediocre performance.

Watch it to while an hour or two of your time.

KIL

Malaysia 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 1 June 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.9/10

Akil (KIL), a quiet and depressed young man sees suicide as an solution though he never succeeds in pulling it off

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

The title KIL even though a short form of the main character's name, can be taken as a play on the word kill. A theme that recurs throughout the film.

Does being dead really solve anyone's problem. It might seem the easiest way out of a difficult situation. Think for a moment the effect it has on others. The person has the fixated idea that once he is gone, all will be hunky dory.

That is the start of his encounter with a company that specialises in ending one's life. Watch until the end whether this will be the fate of our hero.

Overall, a pleasant surprise of a film.

Fast and furious 6

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 24 May 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.2/10

Rotten tomatoes 6.2/10

Hobbs has Dom and Brian reassemble their crew in order to take down a mastermind who commands an organization of mercenary drivers across 12 countries. Payment? Full pardons for them all

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

More thrills and spills from the gang. Watched this movie to get an adrenaline rush. It is always amazing what skills and dedication can do to contribute to such an enjoyable outing at the cinema.

Epic

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 23 May 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.7/10

A teenager finds herself transported to a deep forest setting where a battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil is taking place. She bands together with a rag-tag group of characters in order to save their world -- and ours

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

A good versus evil story and in this case a girl is the leader of the good guys.

This genre will always have a place as many root for good to overcome the evil. I guess a good two hour escape from reality.

3096 Days

Germany 2011

Details IMDB

Seen 20 May 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.2/10

A young Austrian girl is kidnapped and held in captivity for eight years. Based on the factual case of Natascha Kampusch

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

Based on a true kidnapping incident. I could never imagine a similar situation could ever happen but reality is always so much more inexplicable.

How many children are kidnapped everyday and put through such a horrendous experience. There are always someone with a sinister agenda lurking somewhere. However safe we think we are, there is always a danger.

Hopefully, no other child would ever have to go through the same ordeal. Every child has to be thought and reminded on how to protect themselves when caught in a similar situation.

The mental and emotional strength of the child has to be nurtured from young in preparation if the unfortunate happens. 

 

The Entreprenuer (L'industriale)

Italy 2011

Details IMDB

Seen 20 May 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.0/10

Strangled by debt and the banks, the owner of a factory that is on the brink of closing will go to any lengths to solve his financial and marital problems

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

Was it desperation that made him do what he did? His love for the wife plus the fate of his business combined to make him take a step that on hindsight could have been avoided. Like or not, he has to pay for the consequences.

Tomboy

France 2011

Details IMDB

Seen 18 May 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.4/10

Rotten tomatoes 7.8/10

A 10-year-old girl, settling into her new neighborhood outside Paris, is mistaken for a boy and has to live up to this new identity since it's too late for the mistake to be clarified

My Ratings .8.0/10

My impressions

That awkward age

When you feel you don't belong

Feeling uncomfortable in your own skin

How do you resolve this nagging question

Who am I

This body of mine

Do I change or remain

True to myself

Others seem to accept

That side of you

But is it really you

Or just a phase