Fast & Furious 8

USA 2017

Details IMDB

Seen 25 April 2017

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes 6./10

My impressions

Continuing the usual hectic fast pace of the previous episodes, we get more of the same adrenaline rush. Watching the story unfold with the good guys using their latest gadgets, those who are in tune with the franchise will find this latest offering their cup of tea.

This time around, Dom, the main man has to do the bidding of the bad guys. To the detriment of his friends. Why and how he manages to get out of that situation is the gist of the story.

Cat and mouse run-ins throughout.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Thor: The Dark World

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 2 November 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.3/10

Rotten tomatoes 6.2/10

When Jane Foster is possessed by a great power, Thor must protect her from a new threat of old times: the Dark Elves

My Ratings .7.0/10

My impressions

Helping others will always be the role of the superhero and in this case it is someone who is dear to him, someone whom he loves. Problems are never solved quickly with a direct approach as the villain has the upper hand in the beginning. Matters get more complicated when family is involved.

There is just the right combination of action and drama in the film that makes it an enjoyable watch. We will definitely root for the good guys to win the battle.

Gravity

USA 2013

Details IMDB

Seen 19 October 2013

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.1/10

Rotten tomatoes 9.0/10

A medical engineer and an astronaut work together to survive after a catastrophe destroys their shuttle and leaves them adrift in orbit

My Ratings .8.0/10

My impressions

Alone, trying to find a way home. Each step seems an eternity. Each decision might be wrong as if the universe is working against you. Despair, hope, all mixed up but that human spirit of not letting go is still strong.

The film depends entirely on Sandra Bullock and she did a commendable job. Aided by appropriate special effects, the two kept audiences mesmerised throughout the journey home.

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. 

 

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.