Grade: A
Featured Post
The Raid: Redemption (Serbuan Maut) (2012) is an Indonesian martial arts action film directed by Gareth Evans and stars Iko Uwais. Gareth Evans is a Welsh film director based in Indonesia who met Uwais while making a documentary. This is their second collaboration after their first film, Merantau (2009). Both films showcase the traditional Indonesian martial art Pencak Silat. And if you havent seen Pencak Silat before, this film will definitely make you rethink the term martial arts entirely.
In the heart of Jakarta's slum lies an impenetrable apartment bulding which is the safe house to the world's most dangerous killers and gangsters. Rookie member of an elite special-forces team, Rama (Iko Uwais) is instructed to infilrate and extract the crime lord from within the building. But when his crime lord Tama (Ray Sahetaphy) uncovers the SWAT team's plan, he offers lifelong sanctuary to every killer and gangster in the building in exchange for their heads. Now, Rama must fight for his life
and discover who really is his enemy.
The Raid: Redemption is exactly the kind of film, Americans need in their lives post-oscar season. No sugar and fluff, just a straight shot of gritty and raw violence. Amazingly, there were a plethora of advertisments popping up from every medium and yet, only three theaters in the los angeles area was showing it (which i think is ridiculous). Regardless, I drove out of my way and invited all my friends to celebrate the refreshing and unknown realm of Indonesian film. After getting a glimpse of the trailer, i thought i would be prepared for the impending awesomeness of the movie, but boy, was i wrong.
Warning: you may experience extreme dryness of the eyes, nausea, and high tension in the body within the first thirty minutes of the film. Be prepared to bring Clear Eyes because your eyes will quickly dry out due to fear of missing one milisecond of the non-stop action. and when i say, non-stop, i truly mean, NON-STOP. it tests your capacity of intensity and nausea as you witness the most realistic fighting and body injury ever seen on screen that will inevitably force you to experience shortage of breath and tenseness in all the muscles of your body. all the heart-pounding and eye-drying action will leave nothing short of sheer adrenaline in your system and once it is done and over with, like any junkie, you will crave for a second dose of The Raid. What is profound and refreshing with these Third World Country films is that there are no gimmicks such as CGI or stuntmen which is now a neccessity for Hollywood standards of entertainment. With just mis-en-scene and the bones in their body, these actors were able to bring the audience jaw-dropping and heart-stopping action that choke you with captivity and excitement. And even that, i feel like it is an understatement.
The only sad end to this story is that Screen Gems, which is a subsidiary company to Sony who actually acquired The Raid's North American distribution rights, is that they are in negotiations to make a Hollywood remake. (BOOO!) Iko Uwais and Yayan Ruhian were the choreographers for the film and they want them to also be part of the remake. Which is good to hear but the real concern is that, even if actors train and learn the techniques of Pencak Silat, I don't think the same kind of force and precision will be there that will truly awe and stimulate the audience the way the original did. But what do i know, I'm just a hater of remakes (don't get me started on Old Boy). Regardless of the bad news, The Raid: Redemption is possibly the first movie that puts Indonesian action film on the American market in a really big way. And be ready, because the way their action films are heading, we are going to be going to be in need of more eye drops and medication. B+
I accidentally wrote that it was a Cambodian film in the last paragraph. Sorry for the typo! And thanks guy/girl who let me know!
WHOA. This is the first trailer to be released for On the Road, the infamous Jack Kerouac novel. And seriously, who better than Walter Salles (Motorcycle Diaries) to direct this life-changing novel. Like i've said i read this when i was 15 and was completely moved, i almost wanted to live by the dharma ways. so, there is a lot of anticipation and hope for this not to be a complete disaster like most novel to film adaptations. But after watching the trailer, i see oscar nominations coming to Salles' way very quickly. Not only is this film completely and so thrillingly stacked with the most amazing actors from Kirsten Dunst to Kristen Stewart, Viggo Mortensen, Amy Adams, Garrett Hedlund, and even Mad Men's very own, Elizabeth Moss ( PEGGY OLSEN! ) but this story will excite and entrall many people. seriously, cant breathe. There is no release date yet but i am pretty sure and hope it will be released by the end of the year, just in time for the oscars! fingers crossed!
So awesome. This is the first released poster for the upcoming Wes Anderson's new film, Moonrise Kingdom. The story follows a young boy and girl (jared gilman and kara hayward) who fall madly in love and run away together. it comes out may 25!
Jack Kerouac's infamous novel 'On the Road' is being adapted by Walter Salles (The Motorcycle Diaries, Dark Water). I was given this book to read by my friend when i was 15 and least to say, it did change my life. This bohemian lifestyle driven story was refreshing to read amongst the cattiness of my high school. While i do not like adaptation especially a story this inspiring, i think Salles would do justice.
Firstshowing says: It tells the story of Sal Paradise (Sam Riley), who sets off on a cross country journey expressing the restless energy and desire for freedom that makes people rush out to see the world. Garrett Hedlund plays Sal's friend Dean, who inspires him to see America, while Kristen Stewart plays his on-and-off again wife Marylou. Viggo Mortensen also plays Old Bull Lee, a character loosley based on novelist William S. Burroughs, while Amy Adams plays Jane (an incarnation Joan Vollmer), the junkie mother of two kids, and Lee's wife.
This has a stacked cast. i mean, Viggo Mortensen? i am down! and i hope Kristen Stewart can play more than two characters. she continues to portray submissive girls or lost souls. and it's getting more than old. i am glad to know that Kirsten Dunst is making a comeback to the screen. And in a big way considering shes going to be in five films released this year alone. On the Road doesnt have a distributor just yet but with big names like these, I'm sure it will be released this year.
Read more »
READ MORE
Firstshowing says: It tells the story of Sal Paradise (Sam Riley), who sets off on a cross country journey expressing the restless energy and desire for freedom that makes people rush out to see the world. Garrett Hedlund plays Sal's friend Dean, who inspires him to see America, while Kristen Stewart plays his on-and-off again wife Marylou. Viggo Mortensen also plays Old Bull Lee, a character loosley based on novelist William S. Burroughs, while Amy Adams plays Jane (an incarnation Joan Vollmer), the junkie mother of two kids, and Lee's wife.
This has a stacked cast. i mean, Viggo Mortensen? i am down! and i hope Kristen Stewart can play more than two characters. she continues to portray submissive girls or lost souls. and it's getting more than old. i am glad to know that Kirsten Dunst is making a comeback to the screen. And in a big way considering shes going to be in five films released this year alone. On the Road doesnt have a distributor just yet but with big names like these, I'm sure it will be released this year.
All About Even is a 1950's American drama film written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and is based on the 1946 s hort story "The Wisdom of Eve" by Mary Orr. The film stars Bette Davis as Margo Channing, a highly regarded, Broadway star. Anne Baxter plays Eve Harrington, the young and helpful uber fan who worms her way into Channing's life, and ultimately menacing her career and personal relationships.
This film possesses an understated suspense that quickly reinstates your worst fear: someone who wants to be you. It is said that imitation is the best form of flattery but it is not quite the same when the person is trying to take over your life by all means. Through unbelievable manipulation, Harrington willingly attempts to ruin relationships and careers over her dignity. Sadly, Ive never heard of this Anne Baxter but good thing i did because she is the definition of a great actor. Even though her face translates the warm and kindness of one's soul, her attitude is as sharp as a razor. and that is what a true actor is, a chameleon in the best sense. It is an inception kind of realization because while watching the movie, one can understand the capacity of Baxter's talent in and out of the realms of the film.
It is truly sad that this is only the second film I've watched with Bette Davis in it. The first was 'What Happen to Baby Jane?' which scared the day lights out of me. the only person right now that i can think of that can possibly become the next Bette Davis is Meryl Streep. But Davis as usual holds up her smug gaze that not only exudes dominant presence but also and an alluring mystery with each ogle. Bring these two supreme talents together and what we get is a cat fight between rival drama queens. In our celebrity/fame obsessed world, All About Eve shows the length and limits it takes to achieve the dream. A
if you guys didnt know already, im a huge Hunger Games fan and as the days narrow down to the premiere of the first installment, i become more frantic and crave any bit of the series. and this second trailer for it is the perfect fix right now. tickets go on sale tomorrow and you bet your ass, im going to be the first one in line on march 23, 2012!
Let me just start by saying that Korean cinema thoroughly stresses me out. Maybe it is due to the fact that it does hit so close to home. or maybe it is because Poetry is a Lee Chang-dong's creation. Lee Chang-dong's films have the capacity to bring real emotions onto screen and fully translate to the audience the reality of the situation without the glossiness that films are coated with these days. Like all of Lee's films like Peppermint Candy (2000), Oasis (2002), Secret Sunshine (2007), and now Poetry (2010), there is a sting of uneasiness to his films that jolts your whole being and forces you to reevaluate your life in ways you never thought you would. Lee is certainly a masterful filmmaker. Now, take a gander at Poetry.
Poetry
(2010, Lee Chang Dong)
Grade: A
i will write a review on Steve McQueen's Hunger (2008) later on. but as of right now heres a sneak peek of what to expect.
i give it an A
Mildred Pierce is a five-part HBO mini-series adaptation of James M. Cain's 1941 novel. It is directed by the only Todd Hayes (Far from Heaven, I'm Not There) starring Kate Winslet, Guy Pearce, Evan Rachel Wood. It is the second adaptation of the novel after the 1945 film that stars Joan Crawford.
Mildred Pierce depicts an overprotective, self-sacrificing mother during the Great Depression who after her cheating husband leaves her, proves she can be independent and successful by opening up her own restaurant.
I am a huge Kate Winslet fan so anything that she's in, i am down for! so, when she won best actress in a mini-series/tv movie, i knew i had to check it out. Joan Crawford eventually nabbed her first Oscar for her portrayal of Mildred Pierce as well. As winslet's fan, i am obviously biased and support anything she does. when she won, i didnt think anything of it and it's the same feeling that one gets when they see either someone of winslet's stature like meryl streep win awards time and time again which is, they are just good actors and nothing more. boy, i was wrong. after mindlessly watching mildred pierce without any previous knowledge, winslet's slowly revealed a completely different character than i've never seen her portray and i was blown away. Her contradictory persona of a woman who is strong-willed but passive is surely a complex character only Winslett could master (biased again.) Aside of Winslet and Pearce, Evan Rachel Wood portrayed Pierce's monstrous daughter, Veda. you know an actor is doing their job when you want to just murder their character. this mini-series is certainly something to watch. i definitely have to check out the 1945's original considering there are minor differences, but a intense story that certainly must be witnessed! A
Enough said. I officially do not like hollywood and regard the academy as anything but a conservative and unimaginative bunch of white people. i do not support you any longer. the end.
I realized after 2011 that i didnt make my top 2011 film list. out of all the years, ive been obsessed with film, i think 2011 was by far the worst year in film. well according to the golden globes and critic's choice awards, the films i liked werent even considered to be good enough for their top 10. although i still havent seen shame, war horse, the adventures of tin tin, and so on..., im going to my list is going to be just fine without those films. i just came across quentin tarantino's top eleven films of 2011 and after looking at his list and the golden globe picks, i can say that my top 10 leans more to tarantinos side.
tarantino's top eleven of 2011:
1. midnight in paris
2. rise of the planet of the apes
3. moneyball
4. the skin i live in
5. x-men: first class
6. young adult
7. attack the block
8. red state
9. warrior
10. the artist / our idiot brother
11. the three musketeers
my top ten of 2011: (not in any order)
1. the tree of life
2. harry potter and the deathly hallows - part ii
3. rise of the planet of the apes
4. the help
5. midnight in paris
6. moneyball
7. 50/50
8. the skin i live in
9. martha marcy may marlene
10. beginners
after compiling my list, i honestly cant believe this list is IT. as a whole this list should be a goliath of film lists but it just seems so scattered. these are films that i truly thought were cinematically magnificent and worth raving over. close runner ups were---my week with marilyn, contagion, fast five, and maybe hanna. i know hugo shouldve been on this list and although it was the most beautiful 3d film ive ever seen, possibly even better than avatar, i wasnt so crazy about the story. and gasp! not even the girl with the dragon tattoo, the artist, the descendants made the cut! i must be going insane. blah blah blah. they were all great movies but not ground-breaking. maybe my list wouldve been exactly like tarantino if i had watched the other movies he picked. i mean the three musketeers? did i miss something?
2011 was a very lazy year for film, except for terrance malick whos on a roll and making another film for 2012! and because of that, i know 2012 will be EPIC. and dont just hear it from me, look at this list for the most anticipated films of 2012. IT. IS. INSANE.
edit: after much thought, i think hugo deserves to be in the top ten list instead of midnight in paris. nuff said. booom!
Read more »
READ MORE
tarantino's top eleven of 2011:
1. midnight in paris
2. rise of the planet of the apes
3. moneyball
4. the skin i live in
5. x-men: first class
6. young adult
7. attack the block
8. red state
9. warrior
10. the artist / our idiot brother
11. the three musketeers
my top ten of 2011: (not in any order)
1. the tree of life
2. harry potter and the deathly hallows - part ii
3. rise of the planet of the apes
4. the help
5. midnight in paris
6. moneyball
7. 50/50
8. the skin i live in
9. martha marcy may marlene
10. beginners
after compiling my list, i honestly cant believe this list is IT. as a whole this list should be a goliath of film lists but it just seems so scattered. these are films that i truly thought were cinematically magnificent and worth raving over. close runner ups were---my week with marilyn, contagion, fast five, and maybe hanna. i know hugo shouldve been on this list and although it was the most beautiful 3d film ive ever seen, possibly even better than avatar, i wasnt so crazy about the story. and gasp! not even the girl with the dragon tattoo, the artist, the descendants made the cut! i must be going insane. blah blah blah. they were all great movies but not ground-breaking. maybe my list wouldve been exactly like tarantino if i had watched the other movies he picked. i mean the three musketeers? did i miss something?
2011 was a very lazy year for film, except for terrance malick whos on a roll and making another film for 2012! and because of that, i know 2012 will be EPIC. and dont just hear it from me, look at this list for the most anticipated films of 2012. IT. IS. INSANE.
edit: after much thought, i think hugo deserves to be in the top ten list instead of midnight in paris. nuff said. booom!
wes anderson is back and my god, this cast is better than i have ever imagined any anderson film to be like! get this, moonrise kingdom features bill murray, harvey keitel, bruce willis, edward norton, Frances Mcdormand, Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman and newcomers jared gilman and kara hayward. if thats not an all-star cast, i dont know what is! the story follows a young boy and girl (gilman and hayward) who fall madly in love and run away together. sounds freaking awesome so far. i cant wait to see more but until then hopefully this trailer suffices!
it comes out may 25!
Its weird that HIMYM did a photoshoot like this cause it explains absolutely nothing about the series. ive been on a HIMYM marathon for the last 3-4-5 days ( i lost count), and im still only on season 3! that will explain my lack of film viewing. i havent watched a feature film since probably a week ago. ive been watching this series day and night! im determined to finish this series by maybe monday! and when im done, its onto breaking bad. oh dear. im never getting out of my bed.
