Kong: Skull Island

USA 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 18 March 2017

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes 6.6/10

My impressions

This might be another version of the classic King Kong tale but all versions seem to have a similar thread. We are reminded repeatedly how inhuman man is when it comes to the other species that inhabit this planet of ours.

The delicate equilibrium that should be maintained is almost always upset by the man’s ambitions and machinations. We are incorrigible. It is always us first at the expense of the others who share this place called home.

This time around, we hope the perpetrators will learn their lesson.

It might remain just a hope.

Adiwiraku

Malaysia 2017

Details

Seen 10 March 2017

My impressions

A dedicated teacher faces obstacles in trying to mould students from a rural school in an English choral speaking competition. Each student has their own characteristic, no doubt coloured by their own family background and surroundings. A mix of personalities. Full of potential but hindered in their progress by circumstances.

A dedicated teacher is also a rare find. The teaching profession has had such a bashing that it is a thankless job. Sacrifices must be made. The actions of a single teacher can only do so much.

Having an education is still a luxury for some. But that thirst for knowledge is always there. They have the heart and determination to succeed if the appropriate help and encouragement comes along. If not, they will be just another statistic of the failures.

The reality of rural schools in Malaysia.

Logan

USA 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 8 March 2017

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes 7.8/10

My impressions

Logan, our mutant super hero is not the same as in previous instalments. He is old, keeping his emotions pent up within himself and dedicating himself to the Professor. But a girl disrupts that routine.

A tale of loyalty and family relationships. Sacrifices and how human all of us are, even mutants. Even though a minority, they are still a part of humanity.

A new generation must decide what is best for themselves. They will always be those who want to exploit them. The question remains on how to retain that human spirit whilst opposing those with evil intentions.

A satisfying watch.

John Wick Chapter 2

USA 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 22 February 2017

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes 7.2/10

My impressions

When your home, a retreat from the outside world is destroyed, vengeance is the order of the day.

John Wick gets help from those who are on his side in the organisation in his assignment. Done grudgingly. Unfortunately, the task does not have a complete end.

He faces a bigger challenge.

Survival.

A chance to have Chapter 3.

xXx: Return of Xander Cage

USA 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 8 February 2017

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 5.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes 4.8/10

My impressions

This would be a pleasure to those who love action movies. The spins, jumps and cartwheels dovetailing throughout the movie shows the skills of the exponents. An ordinary mortal like me can only look in awe.

The story line of getting a valuable instrument back into the hands of the authorities is just an aside. Actors who are more well known for non-action roles such as Toni Collette and Samuel L. Jackson seem to being lots of fun hamming up their characters. I guess it is just a stroll for them.

The men behind the action sequences must have trained hard and long to make it look so easy.

If action per minute is what you are looking for, you would not be disappointed.

Phantom Boy

Phantom Boy

France 2015

Details IMDB

Seen 1 February 2017

Ratings

IMDB 6.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes 7/10

My impressions

Through a fluke during his recuperation at the hospital, a superhero is born.

He helps a police detective capture the bad guys.

Familiar story line with the added twist here and there.

Enjoyable.

Snakeskin

Singapore 2014

Details IMDB

Seen 1 February 2017

Ratings

IMDB 7.6/10

My impressions

Snakes shed their skin to allow for further growth and to remove parasites that may have attached to their old skin.

A metaphor of a country. Helmed by well-meaning leaders and endorsed by the populace who place their trust in these men to lead them to glory.

The leaders do succeed to a certain extent in fulfilling their promises. Making that spot a well-run place, minimal disruptions to the orderliness.

That was the promise, and they delivered. In return, total obedience is expected.

Some are willing to pay the price

Are there no alternatives?