Apprentice

USA 2016

Details IMDB

Seen 21 December 2016

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.8/10

Rottentomatoes 7.5/10

My impressions

A man’s inner turmoils leads him to work with the man who hanged his father. The reality of the hangman’s job gives him food for thought. On the surface each crime justifies its punishment. But when it comes to capital punishment, would that be a solution?

A must watch. 

The 5th Wave

USA 2015

Details IMDB

Seen 15 January 2016

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 6.0/10

Rotten Tomatoes 4.0/10

My impressions

A loving family but events changed the dynamics. Losing one by one the closest to you and suddenly your last link to that family unit is also taken away. You vow to rescue him no matter what happens.

The whole story has its fair share of nerve wrecking moments but we have seen iy all before. This time with the additional out of this world nemesis. The pyrotechnics are there but seems a bit lame compared to the big budget blockbusters.

Here the emphasis is on the family unit and the main characters try as best they could to potray that side of the story.

Dissapointing.

The Hateful Eight

USA 2015

Details IMDB
Seen 12 January 2016


Ratings from other sources

IMDB  8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes  7.4/10







My impressions

Eight characters stranded together during a snow storm. Each with his own thoughts and intentions. Who can be trusted? Ideals, friendship, family and loyalty play a role.

Prejudice, greed and remembrance of things past are revealed during those times together. Would the power balance remain until the end or a surprise occur.

Not a the usual western. Fun to watch, waiting in anticipation for the next scene. What does the director have in mind.

Absorbing.

The Boy and The Beast

Japan 2015

Details IMDB
Seen 11 January 2016


Ratings from other sources

IMDB  7.6/10










My impressions

Both misfits and their first encounter did not start on a smooth footing. They grudglingly settled into a routine of learning from each other, knowing each had his own strength.

When it comes to the crunch, fighting the bad guy, sacrifices are made. This is also the moment to show that the good is worthy of support. The good despite having a valid reason to exert revenge rise above that basic instinct.

In the end we have to listen to our conscience.

Phanthai Norasing

Thailand 2015

Details
Seen 9 January 2016

My impressions

This historical drama shows how much loyalty plays a part in an ordinary person's life. Even though the king is not as bad as what the people assumed, Norasing 's sacrifice to the king goes beyond the normal step one would take in a similar situation.

That dedication or some might say blind devotion to a leader does not occur only in the past. That same streak can still be seen now nfluenced perhaps by the dictum that the leader can do no wrong.

The Dressmaker

Australia 2015

Details IMDB
Seen 8 January 2016


Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes 5.9/10






My impressions

I always look forward to anything that Kate Winslet does. She might be over the top in some instances but overall she conveys the turmoil that the character has endured throughout the years.

Pair that with Judy Davis as the mother and we get a delightful look on a mother daughter relationship. The small town has its own secrets and the daughter who is back will definitely upset the status quo.

Savour the dialogue. Funny, sad.

The Big Short

USA 2015

Details IMDB
Seen 7 January 2016


Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes 7.8/10










My impressions

A few men try to take advantage of the impending financial crisis in the 2000s. The magnitude of the losses that will be incurred in future was beyond their initial estimates.

The story explains the whole setup in an easily understood jargon for the layman. Cameo roles by some guests who are not usually associated with the financial industry makes the topic closer to the public. Meanwhile, the use of visual aids when explaining certain subject matters makes it more palatable. All of these nevertheless does not make one an expert on the whole mechanism.

The bottom line is the general public will usually be the ones who get burnt.

Iris

USA 2014

Details IMDB
Seen 6 January 2016


Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes   7.4/10










My impressions

She defies a category. Her knack in putting together objects that seem so ordinary into a work of art comes from the heart. As she said, she does not have a method. It is inborn. Some might not take to her fashion style. Too loud, colourful, extravagant even in some cases.

It is not mere throwing of random items into a heap. There is an uncanny beautiful attractive twist to the whole combination. Her travels had brought wonders to her home and others.

The documentary shows the geriatric starlet in her element. We get a glimpse of her devotion to her calling and the love of her life, her husband. It would be difficult to find another Iris.

In the heart of the sea

USA 2015

Details IMDB
Seen 26 December 2015


Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.0/10
Rotten tomatoes 5.5/10







My impressions

The whale, a magnificent animal. The men, doing what they know best to earn a living. The two meet.

It is not just the encounter between the two that fascinates but the relationship amongst the crew during their long journey away from home. Man in their misguided assumption that they are kings of this earth meet their match.

The survivors are a changed lot since their experience at sea showed the different facets of human nature. An adventure of a lifetime.

Jagat

Malaysia 2015

Details jagatthemovie
Seen 22 December 2015


Ratings from other sources

Star2  8/10




My impressions

A disturbing film. The events are from a not too distant past. A time when so much hope was invested in the young. A father wants his son to be the change. To make life better for the family. Unfortunately, fate has other ideas in store.

The lives of the community at present has not seen much change from those years. A very sad indictment of missed opportunities. Those who proclaimed to have the interests of the people must take full responsibility for this sad state of affairs.

Star War: The Force Awakens

USA 2015

Details IMDB

Seen 19 Dec 2015

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 8.8

Rotten tomatoes 8.3

My impressions

This time around, the new generation look set to take over from the old guard. The new heroes will have their hands full battling the forces of evil. Looking forward seeing how light overcomes darkness.

The new actors are competent filling in the shoes of the veterans. A satisfying watch and the action sequences did not disappoint.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2

USA 2015

Details IMDB

Seen 28 November 2015

Ratings from other sources

IMDB 7.1

Rotten Tomatoes 7.1

My impressions

As always I watch a movie without any expectations. It is engrossing no doubt. The action scenes seem to shorter than usual. The emphasis is more on Katniss facing the consequences of her decision to confront the evil Snow. But Snow is the least of her worries. There are other game play in the background.

The acting is competent and the main characters deliver. The ending might be lame to some but adequate.

I would still watch it out of curiosity to know how the director ties up the loose ends.

It does not end with a bang, more of a gentle goodbye.

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.