So Wanna-Be Movie Critic

Snow Cake

2006-12-28T00:34:00.000+08:00

MUST WATCH MOVIE!!
only showing at the Picture House!! Quick Quick

A taciturn Englishman recently freed from prison, Alex (Alan Rickman) picks up hitchhiker Vivienne. After Vivienne dies in a terrible car accident from which he walks away unscathed, the remorseful Alex goes to Wawa, to apologize to the girl's mother Linda (Sigourney Weaver), an alluringly attractive autistic woman. After listening with both rapture and fear to the rapid-fire proclamations of Linda, he decides to stay on to help with Vivienne's funeral.

In Wawa, he develops a relationship with the local sophisticate, Maggie (Carrie-Anne Moss). As Alex, who lost his own son in a similarly tragic way, moves towards a reconciliation with his past, he discovers the unique world Vivienne and her mother created together - one filled with iridescent paper snowflakes, twinkling lights, backyard trampoline antics, and giddy games of Scrabble.

Happy Feet

2006-11-29T10:58:00.000+08:00

Many people said they didn't like it.
I was quite alright with it. I had some giggles when those penguins belt out familiar hits... especially Kiss(by Prince)

This movie tells us not to give up on others and ourselves. We might not be good at what all the others are doing, but we might be good at something.

The animation was good. Some parts were touching as well.
Its scored B+ in the yahoo movie critics.
Opened last week. So if you like Retro Hits and Dancing Penguins, Go watch it.

Voices of Elijah Woods, Brittany Murphy, Nichole Kidman, Hugh Jackman and the Marvellous Robin Williams(dubbed 2 characters!)

COLIC

2006-11-25T12:29:00.000+08:00

Finally seen this movie la!

I like Final Destination because of the many creative ways that people die in that movie. This is kinda wanting to be it. Lots of creative ways too.

Story line was ok. There were some missing links here and there. Well, nothing compares to SHUTTER, the Thai horror movie a few years back. That was Awesome!

However if you are sick of seeing AngMohs yakking away .. then watch this la. There are subititles to keep you away from the lousy acting. hahahah.

The Trailer and site ---> Official Site

Step Up

2006-11-20T22:38:00.000+08:00

This movie came highly recommended by Li Lian and so i thought, since i like Hip Hop and has been dancing for more than 6 years, i guess it would be fair to support a dance themed movie.

Apart from the basketball scenes and the street talk, i still think this movie lacks a better story plot. Some time ago, i watched HONEY and i actually enjoyed it. This one, still not that perfect.

Putting that aside, the last act in the movie really moved me. I felt like clapping my hand when they finished. I was all worked up inside. I share the feelings of people who has dreams and work so hard for it.

After the movie, me and Marcia walked to Sembawang Music to get the soundtrack. 2 girls were ahead of us already! But it was Out of Stock! Marcia said that every time a movie like this comes out, the soundtrack sells like hotcakes! Well, i got my HONEY soundtrack. That's for sure and definitely true, coming out from a girl who works for the movie industry. hahaha.
Go Watch it guys and girls! You'll like it!

Material Girls

2006-11-18T11:56:00.000+08:00

I thought is gonna be a stupid movie again.
OH well, its like Legally Blonde but finding the girls solving a mystery to restore their wealth and status and also, to bring justice to their dead dad, who is the founder of the make up company.

Character's personality development is confusing as they switch from being bimbo and intellect so often.

However, this is still a nice movie to watch despite the lack of chemistry between the Real sisters, the theme behind is still quite moral although lacks depth.

(Hilary's sister) Haylie's appearance in this movie is quite refreshing. Im kinda had enough of Hilary but Haylie did balance out this movie a little.

Feel Happy movie.. well, this is one of them.

Casino Royale

2006-11-18T11:46:00.000+08:00

I don't like James Bond movies anyway so what the heck, just watch la.

This one is like seeing some old uncle(he is 37yo only, but looks so old) running around, jumping like a monkey and gambling like 千王之王。Guess this is like the lowest budget James Bond movie i ever watched. Less Car wrecks and explosions and all.

The love scenes like.. a bit too over done.
The back part of the movie seems too expected.
I already guessed it. Sigh.

After watching it, i was thinking, if i am in such movies, i wanna be the side kick.. as they never change Judi Dench as M, Chris o Donnel as Robin but they keep changing James Bond.. Batman actors.. hahahha..

As i go on and on saying negative stuffs about this movie, it still scored a A in Yahoo critics and they vote Daniel Craig as the BEST James Bond ever. hahah.. What you think?? hahah

The Grudge 2

2006-11-06T00:14:00.000+08:00

I watched Part 1. And it sux!

I still went to watch Part 2. Maybe because i wanted to show some support to Edison Chen. I thought he had a really small role and to my surprise, he is one of the main characters. He had many many lines and appeared 1/3 of the movie. Bravo!

What was funny? Well, everytime the ghost appear, she sounded like she just finished gulping a big can of Coca Cola. It was a hideous and funny burping sound.

What was tiring? When the ghost appear so many times, you are not afraid of them anymore.

Well, at least this time round, the ghost put up a more serious image that they are out to kill. During the first installment of Grudge, i giggled everytime i see the ghost appearing. haha.

盛夏光年

2006-11-04T09:51:00.000+08:00

Saw III

2006-10-28T12:04:00.000+08:00

Jigsaw has disappeared; and with his new apprentice Amanda has once again eluded capture and vanished. While city detectives scramble to locate him, Dr. Lynn Denlon is unaware that she is about to become the latest pawn on his vicious chessboard.

One night, after finishing a shift at her hospital, Lynn is kidnapped and taken to an abandoned warehouse where she meets Jigsaw, bedridden and on the verge of death. She is told that she must keep the madman alive for as long as it takes another one of his victims, Jeff, to complete a game of his own. Racing against the ticking clock of Jigsaw's own heartbeat, Lynn and Jeff struggle to make it through each of their vicious tests, unaware that he has a much bigger plan for both of them.

Click to see
Scene 1
Scene 2
Trailer

The Prestige

2006-10-24T11:10:00.000+08:00

The Prestige means the final reveal of a magician's act. You can also call that, climax in our lay man's term.

In our twisted world, its not difficult to undersatnd the cat fight between the 2 leading man in the movie. What began with as revenge, became an obsession to out beat each other to the limits of death.

You might need a very clear mind to watch this movie as it goes back and forth between the time and they almost looked the same when all that drama happened, within that few years. You almost need a notebook to jot down what and when things happen.

Apart from that, this is a hghly recommended movie. Its one of the best i have watched recently. Taking into consideration that i had a hangover from last night, and also not sleeping more than 5 hours, i manage to stay wide awake throughout the whole movie. And Christian Bale was very good! Go watch it!!

The Covenant

2006-10-24T10:49:00.000+08:00

With all the hype and promotions going on, i was really expecting to see much more exciting stuffs from this movie about man and witchcraft. After an hour into the movie, i was already dozing off.

Don't get me wrong. the visual effects was pretty good.
What i was irritated with was ...
1. The made belief story was so not convincing and complicated to follow
2. The 2 main actors looked almost too similar that you will have to be white to differentiate them.
3. Too many characters in the movie. Too many names!

However, if you like fighting scenes and noisy music, and lots of handsome good bodied hot blooded male, you can consider watching The Convenant, which starts locally 2nd November.

You might be interested to know that it wasn't a major release in the states early last month, considering the scale of this movie. Guess they really need a better story line.

妄想

2006-10-22T20:12:00.000+08:00

I have always liked Pang Brother's work. But i gather, their strength still lies in Horror. I recall 死亡日记 few years ago, starring 2R. This in equivalent, was just as bad. The acting from the main cast was mediocre. The only person who i thought stood out, was Isabella 梁洛诗, which i propose, should swop roles with Charlene Choi. The girl next door from Twins can act, but lacks the depth to be mind challenged. And yes, 余文乐 was just a redundant character. Other than the minimal visual effects and artistic framing of shots, this movie was not intriguing at all. Sorry.

诡丝

2006-10-22T20:02:00.000+08:00

This is such a good movie. I watched the previous installment 双瞳 from the same writer. This movie proves to be a successful follow up from him with even more involvement in the production.

Working with very good cast and a provocative strong story line, it captures the audience's every attention. Not a dull moment at all. The visual effects are very good too. There are also sentimental moments that will tinkle a tear or two. A perfect winning combination of everything i guess.

This is not exactly a horror movie. But rather like the chinese version of X-files. Excellent acting from all the actors and actresses in the movie except the parts where 江口洋介 tries to speak Mandarin, and also when 万芳 crawls like a cockroach.

I really hope this movie will break into the Hollywood scene by itself with no english adaptation as it is already VERY good. MUST watch!

The Departed

2006-10-18T11:21:00.000+08:00

The critics in Yahoo.com gave a A for this movie. Then i must really have bad taste cause i do not like this movie at all.

I cannot connect to all the characters of the movie mainly because it was shot in tradition of Martin Scorsese style, hence i thought that i think the story was totally covered by the overly-processed method of presenting the story.

I did not watch the chinese version so i did not compare this to the original one at all. But this one just felt like the serious version of Catch me if you can. Ending was very depressing as well....(ok, i will not say)

However, with such a big cast of popular male actors, this movie should still worth your weekday ticket money, i guess.

High School Musical

2006-10-16T21:44:00.000+08:00

Few weeks ago, i was waiting for my fren Joe near Borders and they were playing the DVD. I stood there and watch cause the singing was intriguing.

Finally i had time to rent this DVD and after watching it, i wanna recommend those who like good singing, good looking actors and good dancers.

Actors inside spend 3 hours a day to learn Basketball(required in movie), 2 hours a day for 2 weeks to learn a dance routine .. of all the time they spent, its indeed paying off in this modern 'Grease'. Songs are all catchy, moves are motivational but music arrangement SUX! haha. But then again, still something nice to watch. Go rent it! They will be filming Part 2 soon! Yipee!!

World Trade Centre

2006-10-11T00:04:00.000+08:00

It was a lazy Sunday afternoon and my collegue Bi Yu said... lets go watch World Trade Center! I was like OK! Sure!
I gathered, since i watched United 93, i should also watch this one to complete the jigsaw pieces.

After the movie, Bi Yu was quite dissapointed and said she nearly fell asleep. Well, frankly, i dozed off! But maybe for 5 minutes, mainly because i was too tired and i got really tired of the caved-in scene. Maybe we were all expecting more from Nicholas Cage, instead of lying and trapped in the rubble with only the mouth moving.

There were moments i cried too.
I guess, what will this 911 movie be, if not for the small little emotional drama in between, right?

Overall, i did like the movie :)

Little Miss Sunshine

2006-10-02T00:17:00.000+08:00

A movie about a disfunctional American Family.

It is so much fun watching the established actors and actresses giving their all to make this movie feel so real. Some might not be able to relate to why this family is like how they are in the movie, but if you have been to the states, you will know, this kind of family is just everywhere. Trying to make ends meet, having takeout chicken for dinner, pushing each other to the wall, pretnding they are happy and winners.

I was exceptionally glad to see Steve Carell in this. It is totally different from 40yo Virgin & Bruce Almighty. His coolness somehow exuberates charisma and at the same time, tickling another of your laughing bone.

And what are they doing in the poster? You will know.
So, DO NOT MISS THIS MOVIE! go Watch it!!
The soundtrack is also very special.

A VERY one of its kind movie!

Akan Datang

2006-09-29T00:37:00.001+08:00

Severly censored and NOT showing in ANY cinemas.

For More Info About This Movie..

Click HERE

You, Me and Dupree

2006-09-29T00:27:00.000+08:00

I guess i was expecting numerous hilarious moments.
I guess i was expecting a twist at the end of the movie.

I thought it would be a bitchy movie.
I thought there would be clever lines & intriguing dialogues.

Then it came out to be just an ordinary movie about a newly wed couple dealing with a friend. It could also be "Meet the Parents" except Michael Douglas was less intimidating as a Father in Law.

Evelyn, who went with me, said it was a low budget movie. Easy to shoot. Anyway , its a simple light hearted piece.

Starring Owen Wilson, Matt Dillon, Kate Hudson
Singapore's Release Date 5 October 2006

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

2006-09-26T23:50:00.000+08:00

When it comes to Will Ferrell, expect to laugh loudly throughout the movie and also, see him either naked or in undies.

You might think this is a Formula One racing kinda movie. Yes, but its more. I was never interested in Cars, Racing Cars but in this movie, the racing was pretty much secondary. It was the whole thing behind the racing that was making me so pre-occupied with either a smiley face or laughing loudly.

There were moments where you just wonder if they are going to cut to another scene but those guys just kept on going, cracking jokes on a particular situation.
NOTE: some parts were edited in Singapore version. I was like: For What ??!

So, if you are thinking to bring someone for a first date or a nice weekend movie, WATCH THIS!!

Singapore Release Date : 12 October
Trailer.... Click HERE

Be Fabulous Film Series

2006-09-21T00:40:00.000+08:00

Cathay Picture House has this New line-up especially for Tasteful Nostalgic Film goers.
They will be showing 4 oldies(Some Like it Hot, Dial M for Murder, Dr.No & Viva Las Vegas) over a period of time(till Dec). Although each ticket is $25 BUT you get to bring home a special Mini pillow, A pair of Nice Slippers and also a Glass of MOET Champagne at the Picturehouse Lounge. If you are looking for a nice place to bring your date, look no further!
Info ---> HERE

The Night Listener

2006-09-19T21:05:00.000+08:00

Robin Willams is a late night RadioDJ(more like those old fashioned story teller) who gathers his stories around his life. He is gay, use to live with his boyfriend and while dealing with the changing relationship, gets to know a new found friend(or friends), who is driving him nuts.

Although the whole story is "inspired by true events", it seems that the director has already had his mindset to which conclusion, he might have thought, had happened. Sometimes, movies set you thinking whether its is This or That but, not this one. This is totally a story about a psycho girl with many spilt personalities.

It was meant to be a thriller but it seems to me, more like a drama & comedy as there are funny conversations and punt intended lines. However, it is still nice to watch, especially for a weekday night.
Robin Willams & Toni Collette(Connie & Carla) gave good performances

USA Release Date: 4th August, 2006
Singapore Release Date: 28th September, 2006

Stay Alive

2006-09-13T22:20:00.000+08:00

Why is Singapore still showing this movie when
1. it was shown in USA in March
2. the DVD (director's Cut) is coming out next week!

When this movie was released in the states, the box office was doing quite well. The story line is quite unique and it keeps me wondering, is this a Video Game movie remake. But it isn't. Its genuine! I wanna get hold of this game!! haha

Basically, you play the computer game, and if you die in the game, you will die of the same way, in real life. But to start with, the Video Game "Stay Alive" is already violent and creepy(especially the chant you say, to activate the game). Sounds like another Evil Dead.

This movie kept me thrilled and worked up almost throughout. Now you have a choice to watch the DVD OR if you still like the "kick" of watching it on a big screen, catch it locally after 28 Sep.

The Haunted Apartments

2006-09-13T22:18:00.000+08:00

Thought it would be some simple scary movie but there was a plot to it. However, the reason behind the haunting, as according to my friends, also appears in a handful of other movies, the recent one will be An American Haunting.

Apart from that, the idea manipulating residents moving in and out of the place is interesting. Sometimes you just wonder, why are people so nice to you? Is it for a reason? And yes, in this movie, they are nice to you so that they can save their own arse. opps.. hehe

If you are looking for a movie with some scares and a twist at the end of the movie, this is "watchable". Totally exaggerated performance by some actors. Better than Forbidden Siren la. haha

The Banquet

2006-09-13T22:17:00.000+08:00

I was sitting at the second row and so i saw Daniel Wu at close proximity! But then again, i interviewed him twice before, so its kinda cheap thrill for me.

Yes! This movie is all about Zhang Zi Yi. She being the pretty one, the talented one, the vicious one, the pathetic one. ... She She She.. All the other casts are all outshined by her.

Lucky for us, other than watching Zhang Di Yi strut her stuff, we were still treated with good movie soundtrack, excellent cinematography, fighting and violent scenes with blood spraying all over the place, just like Kill Bill.

This movie is indeed a high standard China movie. But if its main objective was to take over Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, then .. ermm.. well, i think they should spread out the main focus of actors to a few and make the movie more humane. Not that Zhang Zi Yi cannot act. Yes.. She Can! But its teamwork! She is very well known already. We even get to see her Japanese Shampoo advertisement TWICE before the movie. Duh! That advertisement is so so .. (better not say).. hahhaa

Boo

2006-09-12T23:33:00.000+08:00

This time round, i rented from my DVD store near my house. This movie was out in Singapore in July but i missed it. But i'm a big fan for horror movies so i rented it anyway.

The critics online gave this movie a C. But after watching it, although some parts makes me feel im watching some teenage flick, but i must say, the Special Effects of this movie is REALLY good! It is damn scary and grose too. Story is about a haunted hospital and how a bunch of teenagers get killed while doing their haunted house expedition on a holloween night.

I guess what is really missing in this movie, is a more twisted story line and serious directing and acting. But if you are like me, a horror fan, and love good visual effects, then RENT it. Watch it and then return and say, thats worth your DVD Rental money. hahah.

Forbidden Siren

2006-09-12T23:15:00.000+08:00

All the hype about being the next computer game remake after Resident Evil and Silent Hills, this PS2 Siren 2 movie remake is just like a typical Japanese movie. It is slow moving, expected and not scary at all.

Some connections were not linked properly. For example:
1. Man standing next to the actress suddenly disappears and bats appear. And when the man re- appears, the girls didn't ask what happened.
2. Actress, a boy and a man is trapped in a house surrounded by Zombies. Actor got killed but actress still can make her way out of the Zombie surrounded house back to her own house, with her brother.
..........and many more missing links.

I guess there is a major difference in watching a western movie and an asian one. Westerners go into the slightest details and have any answers you would have while watching the movie. Anyway, there are a few scares in this movie. Cheap Zombie make up though. Some visual effects are nice. Depends which is more important to you.

Monster House

2006-09-10T21:53:00.000+08:00

I cannot remember when was the last time i laughed so much in the cinemas but now i can! Saturday night, with Raphael, before we hit the clubs.

After watching so many family thematic movies emphasizing family values and love, it is so refreshing just to sit down and see this animation. The story is not too punchy or complicated, but it is the animation and the script of the movie that makes it so fun to watch.

Of the 90 min, i was either laughing loudly or just grinning non-stop. Those who has watched it, most probably will agree that Chowder is the cutest of 'em all. This is another classic example of a sidekick, completely stealing the limelight from the main actor.

No audience left the cinema without a smile on their face, other than the boy sitting in front of us. Well, maybe he just have a constipated look 24/7. So, don't blame the movie. Its really worth every cent of your ticket money.

AKEELA and the BEE

2006-09-10T21:21:00.000+08:00

No... This is not a psy-fi movie about a girl with amazing telepathic powers who can control Bees. In America, they have this kind of world wide spelling contest. I got to know about it from South Park.

In this movie, you get to reminiscence with your past. I can clearly remember my primary school spelling tests and covering my papers with my handkerchief so that my classmate next to me cannot see my answers.

The feel of the whole movie is very “made for school teachers and school children”. It did quite well in the states but unless we also have a Spelling Bee competition here, it would be rather difficult for us to relate to the tension of the competition. Even the actors in the movie put up a "kids movie" act so that kids can giggle while watching. That aside, Laurence Fishburne was great. Didn't know he can potray a English Teacher so well. haha

But generally, this is a feel good movie with moments that will make you tear or even cry. Catch it fast cause, it will be gone pretty soon. After the movie, me and marsha were spelling difficult words like... Slut, Bitch, Bimbo... with actual names attached to it. How Fun !!

Friends With Money

2006-09-09T12:18:00.000+08:00

A light hearted movie with Jennifer Aniston being a maid and her 3 friends:
Frances McDormand: A clothing designer who complains a lot and has a seemingly mistaken "gay" husband
Catherine Keener: A script writer who forgot to care for her husband although they stay and work together
Joan Cusack: A homemaker who does nothing but to spend money and worry for everything cause she has too much money and time

You think this would be another "4 woman formula" about Love, Relationship and Sex. Not Wrong! haha. But this movie goes a little further to tells us about moving on, letting go and living your life meaningfully.

Do you have friends who care too much for you? Do you have friends who judge you? In their eyes, you are always not good enough for them and they are always right?
Well, at the end of they day, you know what is most important. Obviously, its Friends AND Money!
Only in selected Cinemas. So, Hurry!
Click Poster for Official Site.

American Dreamz

2006-09-09T12:09:00.000+08:00

I rented my DVD from PLAY.

This movie has MANY MANY known names like
Hugh Grant as Martin Tweed
Dennis Quaid as President Staton
Mandy Moore as Sally Kendoo
Willem Dafoe as Chief of Staff (President's Assistant)
Chris Klein as Sally's Boyfriend
Jennifer Coolidge as Sally's Mum

If you like watching American Idol, then you might like this movie. I rented it because of this reason BUT im totally confused about Mandy Moore character in this movie. She is a good actress but in this movie, i am not too sure if she is a good person or a bad one.

I thought i would laugh crazily over this movie but i didn't. So, if you intend to watch it, just rent it. Don't have to buy the DVD.