Pretty Little Liars (2010-present) TV series

6.5/10 [ Recommended]
TV series, 4 seasons
Thrilling, suspenseful and addicting show.

Four friends band together against an anonymous foe, "A", who threatens to reveal their darkest secrets, whilst unraveling the mystery of the murder of their best friend. (imdb)

I didn't think I would fall in love with this show but it took only one episode to hook me. The story is based on the book with the same name, but the TV series has taken an entire different route than the book. The plot follows Aria, Spencer, Hanna and Emily as an unknown sourced "A" threatens them. With technology so easily accessible it has become the method used to threaten the four friends.

Each episode is filled with another mystery as the girls battles to find out who "A" is. Everything is set into motion with every move made by the four friends and by "A". Besides the mystery of "A", there's also many romance and dramas that is sprinkled throughout.

I love the cinematography of the show, as it uses a varieties of pans and zooms. Also the very soft filter that is edited over the shots gives Rosewood a very calm and lovely appeal whilst Rosewood is filled with more sinister events. This false feeling of peace with the devious events makes this show so much more enticing as you never really know what to expect.

The cast is filled with many new/old faces, all of whom delivers a very convincing performance.

What can I say --mystery, romance, drama and an eye catching cast--this show has caught my attention and will not be letting go anytime soon.

worth watching!

Accepted (2006)

7/10

Surprisingly enjoyable and inspiring.

A high school slacker, Bartleby Gaines, who's rejected by every school he applies to opts to create his own institution of higher learning, the South Harmon Institute of Technology, on a rundown piece of property near his hometown. (imdb)

Accepted is a different kind of comedy that does not rely on the f-bomb every two minutes, vulgarity and over using sexual content to create it's humor. It is a smart film with subtle humor that looks at the reality that almost every student has to face, post-secondary placement. There are many college films out there, but not many put focus on the value of education and curriculum of schools.

Accepted put education system and schools under the microscope, questioning the value of the knowledge taught in classrooms. I found this film relateable as I went through the process of applying for universities, selecting courses and trying to figure out where I fit in. I found myself sitting in certain courses surrounded by grade-strung students, memorizing stuff that doesn't make any sense, while being droned at by a professor who seems to be talking to himself more so than to a class.

What I love about Accepted is how it makes you think about what you are learning and the value of the experience. It may have exaggerated certain elements about college/universities but it does leave viewers with an important message. You can be your own teacher.

Justin Long is quite lovable in this film. There are also a few familiar faces in the supporting cast to watch for including Blake Lively, Kellan Luts and Jonah Hill.

Overall, silly, funny and enjoyable film!

The Conspirators (2011)

6.5/10

Historical film with a good cast

Mary Surratt is the lone female charged as a co-conspirator in the assassination trial of Abraham Lincoln. As the whole nation turns against her, she is forced to rely on her reluctant lawyer to uncover the truth and save her life. (imdb)

The success of this film relies on the acting and the script. The choice of the cast leading with James McAvoy and Robin Wright is brillant. James McAvoy, as Frederick Aiken, gives a powerful performance in The Conspirators that really made this film come to life.

The Conspirators puts the assassination of President Lincoln and the justice that is supposedly carried out afterwards upon closer look. This movie had a lot of content and has a very powerful message. Not everything is black and white. The line between justice and a nation bent on revenge is thin.

I recommend this movie to everyone! The death of Lincoln may be known by all but this small detail in the aftermath may not be as well known.

Sky High (2005)

3/10

Entertaining little film that is fairly predictable

Set in a world where superheroes are commonly known and accepted, young Will Stronghold, the son of the Commander and Jetstream, tries to find a balance between being a normal teenager and an extraordinary being. (imdb)

**Spoiler Alert**

I wanted to watch a relaxing and simple film but not too sure how I stumbled upon this one in particular. Sky High is entertaining with a ton of different super powers, some more unusual than others...like the ability to control plants. The special effects is cute and fitting for a Disney movie.


I chose this film mostly for the cast and did not expect to feel so split between who I would be supporting. Mary Elizabeth Winstead has always been one of my favourite actresses, and I love Michael Angarano from Will and Grace. So about a quater into the film I when I realized that Winstead as the antagonist and Angarano as the protagonist, I felt at lost. In the end though, I felt that I was supporting Winstead and her gang of super villains.

The final ingenious evil plan is extremely silly and made me laugh.

Overall,  Sky High is not bad as it is definitely not your typical superhero save denzel in distress story. But sadly it is a bit too predicable and not overly epic.

Rise of the Plant of the Apes

7/10 [high recommended]

Powrful film.

During experiments to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease, a genetically-enhanced chimpanzee uses its greater intelligence to lead other apes to freedom. (imdb)

I never liked the Planet of the Apes but found this one quite entertaining and realistic. The CGI and special effects overall is worth the viewing but there are moments where you notice that you're watching CGI.

The story is pretty basic. James Franco plays Rodman, a scientist who tries to find a cure for Alzheimer but even with his good intentions everything goes wrong.

James Franco again gives an amazing performance but his character's relationship with Freida Pinto's character is too blend. But I guess the thinness of the romance is to put the focus on Caesar, the Ape. This is the film time I have seen Tom Felton outside of Harry Potter. Felton's his role doesn't stray too far from Draco Malfoy as he plays Landon, a boy who is abusive and cruel to the apes that's in his care.

The power of this film comes from the fact that with all the experiements going on in the world, movies like Rise of the Apes may end up coming true...

Jurassic Park III

6.5/10

You basic adventure that is fast-paced and entertaining

Jurassic Park III follows a decidedly odd couple, the Kirbys, with ulterior motives convince Dr. Alan Grant to go to Isla Sorna (the second InGen dinosaur lab.), resulting in an unexpected landing...and unexpected new inhabitants on the island. (IMDB)

In this third installment of Jurassic Park, we have the Kirby's who convinced Dr. Grant to once again explore dinosaur infested island resulting in a fun movie with losts of chase scenes. This is different from the original in the sense that it is less horrifying, less gory and not as epic. HOWEVER, this movie is just as fun to watch as it is action packed and has many funny situations involving the couple and their ulterior motives on the island.

The story is flawed, like how

The acting is spot on and believable with the CGI-ed dinorsaurs. I like the casting of Alessandro Nivola as Billy the side-kick of Dr. Grant. William H. Macy and Tea Leoni plays the arguing Kirby couple generating many funny moments during panicky scenes, adding a nice balance to the serious tone. We are also joined by Michael Jeter, Mr. Noodle from Sesame Street, who plays a role very different from what I have seen him in.

Special effects and CGI both believable. Though I found the make up to be a bit fake. We see much smeared blood but not much of the actual wounds. I guess this movie could take some advice from Ironclad in the special effects make up team in the gore department.

Overall, entertaining and fun...that's what I was expecting when I went into the movie.

My Sister's Keeper (2009)

9/10 [Highly Recommended]

Don't take things for granted.

My Sister's Keeper, based on the book with same title, is about Anna Fitzgerald who is looking to earn medical emancipation from her parents who until now have relied on their youngest child to help their leukemia-stricken daughter Kate remain alive. (imdb)

My Sister's Keeper is a truly amazing film with fantastic acting with a very powerful story. I found myself reaching for the tissue box again and again. It is not just another chick flick, it is so much more.

Each cast member pulled their own weight in giving such a splendid performance to really make this film breathtaking. Abigail Breslin, Cameron Diaz, Jason Patric, Sofia Vassilieva, Evan Ellingson together really showed strong chemistry as the Fitzgeralds, a family going through one of the toughest situation to ever occur to a family.

The story itself, along with a few twists, wraps itself around your heart and takes you down a road of pain, suffering, happiness, family and lost.

A truly heroic, inspiring, realistic and heartfelt film that I highly highly recommend to everyone.

The Ultimate Gift (2006)

4/10

touching concept but not well put together

The Ultimate Gift is about Jason, who was about to receive his inheritance with money and lots of it. Was he ever in for a big surprise...(imdb)

I like the concept of how a rich kid is made to realize the importance of life, friends and love over money. However, this movie is not well put together. It feels like each segment was roughly thrown into the plot line just to make it all work. For example, like how Jason and Emily met is bit odd and farfetched. The way everything seems to work after Emily met Jason just doesn't make sense.

This movie is lingered with messages and lessons, which makes this film sweet. But the plot doesn't seem to flow very well. The bit where Jason ended up in the jungles, was quite random and seem to have been put into the film just to add excitement.

Abigail Breslin is amazing as always. Her performance in Little Miss Sunshine and Zombieland are both great! She never failed to give a believable and excellent performance.

This film is predictable, which doesn't seem to surprise me as it isn't a thriller/mystery. The ending is pretty much laid out for us from the beginning, with the main emphasis on the journey of the film.

Overall not epic but not bad either. The Ultimate Gift lacked in a solid heartfelt storyline and is not very well pieced together. However, this film did deliver a very touching message that it set out to create, which makes this film a worth while.

Mr Brooks (2007)

8/10  [highly recommended]


 A very fast-paced film that keeps you glued t the screen.

Mr. Brooks is about a psychological thriller about a man who is sometimes controlled by his murder-and-mayhem-loving alter ego.

I saw this movie when it came out and stumbled upon it today again. This film is graphic, thrilling and sinister making it an interesting and different type of crime movie.

The cast, script and story together makes this film a must watch.

Kevin Costner and Dane Cook, both play a very different role than their previous performances. Their change in characteristics styles were both spendid. Costner's casual and blend gestures and expressions makes his character even more so fearful. Demi Moore, William Hurt and Danielle Panabaker all gave superb supporting performances to really drive home the suspense

The story line is very sinister and has many sub-plots that further emphasizes the thrilling and mysterious tone of the film. I was reeled in the moment the film rolled.

I highly recommend this film! But  warning..... Mr. Brooks is dark, with a sinister coldness and can be graphic at times making it not suitable for all viewers. But don't let these elements shy you away from this film because with the cast and amazing script  this film a superb creation that is very very very gripping!

Ironclad (2011)

4.5/10

Honor and blood....a ton of blood

Ironclad is about in 13th-century England, a small group of Knights Templar fight to defend Rochester Castle against the tyrannical King John.

Ironclad is a straight forward story of a medieval siege with lots of action. The Acting and battle scenes in this film is believable and in tone with the film. James Purefoy as the lost soul and Kate Mara as the supporting are both gives a dramatic performance.

I don't blame the minds behind Ironclad for the slow-mo moments, dramatic die-hard elements, some cheesy dialogue and romance that was thrown in. A somewhat historical film with a simple storyline requires these addition to spice things up. Of course, Ironclad filmmakers did not fail to include a dramatic climax where all hope are lost but our hero saves day (oops, did I spoil the film for you? I mean it's pretty obvious something like this would occur..no?)

Oh and there's gore....don't say I didn't warn you...there's a lot of gore. The special effects make up team did a fantastic job of gore and brutality of the battle scenes that it can make your stomach cringe. I felt very uneasy as the effects of the killings are so realistic and gruesomely repetitive. Pretty much you can expect hands lopped off, bodies hacked in half and guts slashed open everywhere.

I'm not going to lie, this film is very entertaining... it has fight scenes, a love story, gore and explosions (yes, explosions. how you ask? watch the film and find out)...but this film is not very epic. It is made from the same cookie cutter that created Die Hard, Lethal Weapon and other action-packed movies with the exception that it is medieval and very very gory.

Don't expect too much but don't write this movie off either. Enjoy it for what it is...a blockbuster Friday night entertainment.

Scream 4 (2011)

6.5/10 Remake of an original...and the best one yet.

Scream 4 is a continuation of Sidney Prescott and the Ghostface killer. This time ten years passed since the killings and Sidney, who has put herself back together thanks in part to her writing, is visited by the Ghostface Killer.

Now for those who are aware of this series should know that Scream is both a horror movie as well as a parody of horrors. The movie tells its audience and characters that it is a horror movie. Scream references many other horror films from House of Wax, Shaun of the Dead, Friday the Thirteenth to Psycho while using telling us frankly of the techniques used to create elements of suspense, surprise and twists in a movie. "Bet you didn't see this coming?" was part of the dialogue in Scream 4 and it is very true. I did not see it coming.

The main, supporting and cameo cast of this movie made it more awesome. We have our original cast from the previous films Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox and David Arquette. Supporting cast joins some well known faces such as Alison Brie, Hayden Panettiere, Emma Roberts and Adam Brody. But my favourite bit was the beginning of the film where the illusion of a film within a film within a film is created. During this beginning segment we are treated to cameos by Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars), Anna Paquin (X-Men, TruBlood) and Kristen Bell(Verionca Mars). I really like this ensemble cast, made this film all the more interesting.

The scare level was well driven by the music and sudden shifts of camera. I was surprised at the prompted moments despite knowing that it was coming.

I don't usually like scary movies unless it is horror/comedy, as the comedy balances out the horror element. But Scream 4 seems to not be that scary...but then again it's light out and I'm not home alone anymore.

In scary movie series I like Scream 4 and Final Destination 3 the best. SO if you wanted to know what all the fuss is about with these series just watch Scream 4 and Final Destination 3...rest can be skipped. If you're brave...watch them all

Fugitive Pieces (2007)

6/10

Beautiful story mixed with breathtaking scenes.
Fugitive Pieces is about a boy, Jakob, who escapes from Poland during World War II and first heads to Greece before coming of age in Canada. (imdb)

This story is told in a mix of flashbacks and present view following the life of Jakob Beer. The beauty of this film lies in the way Jakob's story is told, we see bits of his past intertwined with his present life. Throughout the movie, we hear stories of different families and people during the war in bits and pieces, not knowing who the stories are about or if they are true. As can really sense the aftermath of a war and the deep impact it leaves.

I love the entire cast, especially the supporting cast of this movie. A mostly Canadian cast we see many familar faces such as Nina Dobrev (Vampire Daries),Devon Bostick (Diaries of a Wimpy Kid), Rachelle Lefevre (which I first remember her in the YTV show STUDENT BODY).

We are not shown too much bloodshed but through Jakob's narrative, the war is brought very real and fearful.

We never really known the chronological order of the events, all we can do is put the different pieces together in our minds and form our own version of the story.

Prime (2005)

 2.5/10 


Cute, not funny and could have skipped

Prime is about A career driven professional from Manhattan is wooed by a young painter, who also happens to be the son of her psychoanalyst. (imdb)

Great cast led by Uma Thurman, Meryl Streep and one Bryan Greenberg. Their performance makes this thin storyline film not completely slow. Streep somehow, in every film she's in, gives an amazing performance.

Prime is an ok movie but not a very too memorable one either. Overall not a film that will make you gush or make you to want to rewatch it.

The cinematography is very mediocre, with no spectacular scene.

Overall, blah mediocre film....don't feel much about it

The Bang Bang Club (2010)

8/10 [Highly Recommended]
An excellent film that looks at action vs observation

Bang Bang Club is based on the true-life experiences of four combat photographers capturing the final days of apartheid in South Africa. (imdb)

I heard about The Bang Bang Club last year at a International Film Festival and have wanted to watch it ever since but without luck finding it. Today I came across it and finally sat down with it. Bang Bang Club is an absolutely amazing film that looks at the internal conflicts of combat photographers who captures moments of war/pain/suffering. It really brings to life what we can only imagine when we see the photographs. It

The great cast, with one of my favourite up and coming actors Taylor Kitsch along with Ryan Phillipe and Malin Akerman, is able to really capture the emotions that is hidden behind the lens. I absolutely love Kitsch's portrayal of Kevin Carter because you can see it in his eyes the conflict he feels between being an observer and not an do-er.

Kevin Carter: "They're right. All those people who say it's our job to just sit and watch people die. They're right."

It is a story about a real group of photographers who, while doing their jobs, comes to realize what Kurt really meant when he said in the novel Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad "The horror!"

I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this film for all. Next time you look at a photo in the newspaper, think about the photographer and the situation that is outside of the frame...

MegaMind (2010)

 7/10
Mega entertaining with a good message.

Megamind is about a diabolical genius Megamind finally conquers the hero Metro Man, whom he has been enemies with for a long time. But Megamind finds his life pointless without a hero to fight. (imdb)

MegaMind is a great little animation with a funny parody to Superman and gives superheroes a new prespective.

I fairly enjoyed the film and the message it conveys. The film re-analysizes the role of a superhero and supervillain. It gives superhero movies/comics like X-Men, Superman, Spiderman and Flash an entirely different spin.

If you want a funny superhero film that is both inspiring and uplifting then spend an hour and a bit with MegaMind...it is worth it!

City Island (2009)

 6/10
If you thought your family was disfunctional...wait till you meet these guys
The Rizzos, a family who doesn't share their habits, aspirations, and careers with one another, find their delicate web of lies disturbed by the arrival of a young ex-con (Strait) brought home by Vince (Garcia), the patriarch of the family, who is a corrections officer in real life, and a hopeful actor in private.

City Island started off quick but the story dwindles towards the middle. The slowness in the middle of the film almost lost my interest, but I am glad I stuck to it till the end. As the climax unfolds on a street, no less, and is fairly exciting and well acted.

Not the funniest movie I have seen, it is quite exaggerated, but I guess that's the point of film.

The climax scene is worth watching if you can sit through a slower middle section.

Duplex (2003)

5/10

Not so much funny as really frustrating.

I like Ben Stiller as he always gives a good performance. In Duplex, Stiller again gives a well performed roles as a angry owner of a house with terrible a tenant.

This film sadly lacks in comedic element but has high dose of frustration. You would want to root for the couple but somehow they always get the short end of the stick.

This film will allow those with annoying neighbours to see the silver lining of things because if you have neighbours that drives you crazy...you should consider yourself lucky not having to be in Alex (Ben stiller) and Nancy (Drew Barrymore)'s shoes.

Nanny McPhee (2005)

 8.5/10 [Highly Recommended]

Uber Cute, quite funny and just perfect!

Nanny Mcphee is about a governess, McPhee hence the title, who uses magic to rein in the behavior of seven ne'er-do-well children in her charge.

In short this movie is a absolute gem full of laughter (even I found myself laughing throughout), very cute, well filmed, lovely cinematography and silly acting.

Brilliant performance with Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, and the kids.

Bright and saturated colouring of the scenes that matches very well with the corky make up and costume!

I loved every minute of this film and found it very funny. The dialgue and fantastic formance from Emma Thompson worked so well together to not only create an odd little story but also truck loads of laughter.

Brother Bloom 2008

 6/10


Funny at times, with cooky characters but not overly epic

The Brothers Bloom are the best con men in the world, swindling millionaires with complex scenarios of lust and intrigue. Now they've decided to take on one last job - showing a beautiful and eccentric heiress the time of her life with a romantic adventure that takes them around the world. (imdb)

I read the IMDB plot (above) and was interested enough to check it out. The movie, for the most part, is outline with humor. I especially loved the character Bang Bang played by Rinko Kikuchi. Despite not having much dialogue, Kikuchi's performance was a joy to watch.

Brothers Bloom plays with the old theme of 'crying wolf' and does this so many times throughout the film that you never actually know when the film will draw its curtains.

The overall storyline is mediocre. I felt there could be more content with the story and more twists.

I recommend this film as a simple Friday night entertainment that has many snickering moments.

Breaking Bad (2008-present) TV

8/10
TV series, 2008-present

Do the right thing for all the wrong reasons.
Do the wrong thing for all the right reason.

Great show, well knit drama and characters that you hate to love

Letters To Juliet (2010)

5/10Beautiful landscapes, a sweet story but a bit too cheesy and cliched

Letters to Juliet is about An American girl on vacation in Italy finds an unanswered "letter to Juliet" -- one of thousands of missives left at the fictional lover's Verona courtyard, which are typically answered by a the "secretaries of Juliet" -- and she goes on a quest to find the lovers referenced in the letter.

This film is very sweet with cute characters, however Letters To Juliet is slow paced, a bit too cheesy and cliched even for a romantic flick. This film's storyline came from the same cookie-cutter that formed many other romantic comedies, where the story and ending became apparent the moment the movie started. The characters are all pretty simple and wear their emotions on their sleeves that it became a bit boring to watch. I felt the dialogue, though sweet, is too cheesy and fairytale like.

Don't get me wrong, this movie is quite charming and the locations in ths film are breathtaking. The landscape choice alone is worth giving this film a chance. Sadly, the landscape could not help make this film a stunning one as this movie put too much emphasis on wanting the term 'awwww' to be used that they over did it resulting in a giant 'cheeseball' of a film.

I really wanted to like this film as I adore Amanda Seyfried in Mean Girls and Christopher Egan is awesome from TV series Kings. But the writing just didn't keep my interest level. I came into this movie with expectation of a Nicolas Sparks book/movie, which this movie did achieve but went a bit overboard in wanting to keep it sweet.

I recommend this film to romantic movie lovers who just want a sweet charming film and to those who love seeing the sceneries of Italy. Christopher Egan is definitely great addition to this film. Though, this movie wouldn't be one I'll be watching again

Stay (2005)

6/10
Fantastic cinematography and editing with a very unusual story

Stay is about the attempts of a psychiatrist to prevent one of his patients from committing suicide while trying to maintain his own grip on reality.

Stay is a psychological thriller that takes you into the mind of a young man who is walking close to death.

If you finish this movie with a clear cut understanding of the plot, then I would think your mind works on an entire different parallel because this movie is very but straightforward. The movie works itself in between the line of reality and dream. We see the young man Henry (Ryan Gosling) wanting to commit suicide and the attempts of his psychiatrist Sam (Ewan McGregor) trying to talk him into seeing more meaning in life.

The cinematography and editing are fantastic making some neat cuts and many scenes are done through some interesting angles. The editing also helps to emphasize the thin line between reality and dream.

I am not entirely sure how I feel about this film. The cinematography and editing captured my attention and creativity but the storyline and sequence is --for lack of better word--tripped out. The movie is like a dream that made sense while you were asleep but upon awaking, bizarre would be an understatement.

If you enjoy films such as Mulholland Dr., Memento, Identity, The Machinist and Shutter Island...then don't let the low rating stop you. This film is very trippy, confusion filled but an amazingly well edited piece of artwork!