Pitch Perfect (2012)

7.5/10 [Recommended]

Witty, funny with a fairly good acting from a fair fresh cast.

Plot: Beca, a freshman at Barden University, is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her school's all-girls singing group. Injecting some much needed energy into their repertoire, The Bellas take on their male rivals in a campus competition.


 When I started watching this, I didn't expect to have liked it so much. I am not a fan of Glee, with the poor storyline and horrid dialogue, so I didn't have much expectations for Pitch Perfect. However, I was truly surprised by Pitch Perfect and its perfect package with the hilarious scenarios, witty dialogue and fairly decent acting.

The many FANTASTIC one liners, love those to pieces! Hats off to the writers ( Kay Cannon for screenplay and Mickey Rapkin for the book) and the cast for the perfect delivery. Here's a sample of some of my favourite lines:

• I ate my twin in the womb.
• I set fires to feel joy.
• Thank god I asked to go to the bathroom 3 hours ago.
• Lesbi-honest
• Im going to pip slap you so hard your man-boobs will concave.
• At least its not herpes or do you have that as well.
• Its probably just god punishing you for being a ginger. - watch this in the credits Sisters before misters.

Anna Kendrick, was awesome. She includes many small gestures and expressions in every scene to give the film dynamic, allowing this film to shine and escape the flatness that entraps many of these Cinderella type stories. and Brittany Snow, I fairly enjoyed her performance as well.

The ending is very predictable, but what was really classy about Pitch Perfect was the fact that the film recognizes its predictable ending.

Definitely rewatching this again :)

Miracle at St. Anna (2008)

5.5/10

A good plot line but poor poor execution.

Plot: Set in 1944 Italy, the story of four black American soldiers who get trapped in a Tuscan village during WWII.

The film started off exciting but the attention grabber didn't last long. The dialogue and acting felt overly exaggerated. There was a lack in character development and connection between them. Many characters were introduced but none of them remain memorable.

The film felt long and dragged out. The movie felt like a bunch of scenes that was roughly thrown together in the editing room. Somewhere in the production, the direction of the film was forgotten, but the realization and decision to scramble a few meaningful scenes in proved insufficient.

Long story short, skip this film and go watch something like Saving Private Ryan and Saints and Soldiers

Man from Nowhere (2010)

7/10 [recommended to selected audience]

Gangs, drugs, smuggling, lone hero, fight scenes and blood blood blood...nothing new

Man From Nowhere is a Korean film about a quiet pawnshop keeper with a violent past takes on a drug- and organ trafficking ring in hope of saving the child who is his only friend.

Right off the bat we are introduced to a bunch of characters, and if you weren't paying attention, you would have a hard time keeping up. The plot, though not complicated, does not wait for you and moves fairly quickly.

A typical storyline full of action packed fight scenes of a lone heroic man, with a complicated past, attempting to save a girl's life. Although this film has many overdone cliche themes (lone super human saving a girl from cruel/ruthless drug dealers and one super bad guy who is of equal strength that the hero must fight), it is definitely not a boring movie to watch.

But of course, being a Korean film, Man From Nowhere did include some tear shedding drama accompanied by orchestra background music. This touch of 'heart warming' element does help balance out the action of the protagonist.

In short, if you like gory fight scenes with tone of explicit scenes full of bloodshed, then definitely watch this film. Nothing new but great friday night kick back film to watch!

With some careful re-analyzation of this film, I decided to bump it from the original rating to a 7. This film felt very similar to Leon, The Professional...just with more blood filled scenes. Though this film has some cliche themes, I have to admit the cinematography and use of sound is above par.

Parents (1989)

8/10

A morbidly creepy yet funny film that will make you think twice about eating meat again.

Parents is set in 1950's about a boy who began to question where his parents is getting their dinner meat from. A comedy/mystery/horror/drama, the entire story is told from the perspective of the little boy, Michael.

Acting is superb! Bryan Madorsky is very genuine in his portrayal of the confused/scared Michael who is unsure who to trust. Madorsky's only acting gig and he gave a fantastic performance. I wish I could have seen him in more films. The parents, played by Randy Quaid and Mary Beth Hurt, are very believable and very creepy...I had the chills every time they smiled....

Parents is very deceiving as it uses sit-com music and a warm family appeal giving viewers a false sense of safety and just when your guards are down the film will plunge into the horrific scene. The realization that you are actually watching a scary movie comes so quickly that it is chilling.

The cinematography creates the horror and element of fear. The film focuses on using high and low angles to give the illusion of the petite-ness of Michael and the towering built of the grown ups. The film also uses a lot of spins and turns emphasizing the idea of confusion and loss that Michael feels. In the scene where Michael is tied to a chair, the entire room is turning but the camera remain fixed on the people-- this shot is quite entrancing. The film has many short cuts, blending dream and flashback sequences and reality together further creating a sense of confusion and fear.

The blending of scenes into scenes and scenes into a solid screen of red makes this film really scary. Red has been contrasted and saturated quite a bit in this movie, making it loom over all other colours. The scenes are not overly gore, but is able to gross you out nevertheless.

I highly recommend this film to horror/comedy/mystery lovers. It is not your typical slasher or ghost film. It uses the element of safety (your parents) to create the sense of fear.

Micmacs 2009

7/10 [Recommended]

Micmacs is about a man and his friends come up with an intricate and original plan to destroy two big weapons manufacturers

From the maker of the French film Amélie, brings you MicMacs, a clever and well edited with small clips of animation and shot/edited in a very unique technique.

A very quirky yet sophisticated film that takes your through a intricate plan to bring down two weapons manufacturers. This film may not be the most action packed film with car chases and fight scenes, but it did not need any of these elements to be just as exciting. Although slow paced at times, the amount of artistic elements that Micmacs contained, such as mechanical puppets and cut out pictures, made this film very spectacular.

The array of clever, witty, silly, and ridiculous characters brought together in this film are worth watching.

If I had to chose two words to describe this film it'd be 'smartly quirky'. Micmac is a smart film filled with many quirky characters and is a piece of masterpiece.

Napola (aka Before the Fall) 2004

7/10 [recommended]

Astounding and shocking look at how boys became weapons.

In 1942, Friedrich Weimer's boxing skills get him an appointment to a National Political Academy (NaPolA) - high schools that produce Nazi elite

This film at first felt like a story of friendship but as the film rolled we see that friendship is clouded with cruel intentions attempting to build up killers. The innocences that each student that entered the school is washed away and filled with ideologies of the Nazi regime.

Definitely worth watching.

My Cousin Vinny (1992)

9/10 [ highly recommended]

Smart, witty, terrific acting, and exciting court room action

My Cousin Vinny is about two New Yorkers who were at the wrong place at the right time. The two are accused of murder in rural Alabama while on their way back to college, and one of their cousins--an inexperienced, loudmouth lawyer not accustomed to Southern rules and manners--comes in to defend them.

My Cousin Vinny is one of the best comedy/mystery/crime movies I have seen in a love time. It is well directed, well acted and fantastically written. The exchanges of dialogues are smart and filled with a lot of content.

Joe Pesci did an amazing job in the lead. Marisa Tomei, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in her role as Mona Lisa Vito in this film, was stellar. The entire cast was perfect as they were the perfect balance between amusing yet believable. Some comedies have characters that too dramatic and over commit in their role, which makes it ridiculous. My Cousine Vinny perfectly balances the credibility of court room drama, humor, mystery, and suspense. It was definitely a laugh out loud, exciting, gripping ride.

Highly recommend this film!  I will be re-watching this film again for sure.

Primal Fear (1996)

6.5/10

Gripping, disturbing, great performances

An altar boy is accused of murdering a priest, and the truth is buried several layers deep.

Primal Fear is heavily revolves around a huge case inside a court room. An alter boy is accused of murder, a hot shot lawyer with a great track record takes the defence pro bono,  and a case that is steeped in one mystery after another.


Richard Gere comes back with a stellar performance as the lawyer defending the alter boy, played by Edward Norton. Norton is absolutely amazing in this film (without giving too much away) capturing the innocence and fear of his character.

When the final act and the ultimate conclusion is revealed, many clues that was left throughout the film suddenly made sense. I didn't feel completely absorbed in the story as parts of the film are fairly slow. However, the performances by the cast and the final conclusion (can't say what it is) did help recapture my attention

Not the most exciting or realistic court based film, but worth watching for the cast and the concluding twist.

Nothing to Lose (1997)

4.5/10

Some funny moments but not spectacular

Nick Beam's life couldn't get any worse. He discovers he has been living a lie and is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. So when T. Paul, a carjacker, attempts to rob him, it is the last straw for Nick. With everything to gain and nothing to lose, he kidnaps T. Paul and attempts to put his life back together.

 The premise of the film is Nick, who seemingly is in a loving relationship, sees something that makes his entire world collapse. From there on the film revolves around Nick and the events that follows after he has a breakdown. The silly concept fell short of being a decent comedy as it lacked in a solid storyline and witty dialogue. During the second and third act I felt I had to force myself to pay attention. This film couldn't hold onto my attention long enough.

"Don't jump to conclusions" is the morale of this story.

 Mediocre story that could have been better. Watch Galaxy Quest, Zombieland or Shaun of the Dead if you want a comedy with solid storyline.

Michael Clayton (2007)

5.5/10

Slow paced corporate/law based thriller

Michael Clayton plot: law firm brings in its "fixer" to remedy the situation after a lawyer has a breakdown while representing a chemical company that he knows is guilty in a multi-billion dollar class action suit.

This film starts off with a bang but is slow for the rest of the film until the final act. I paused this film many times and found myself distracted away because of the slow pace. I remain curious about how the film will resolve, however I could not give my full undivided attention to the film. 

The characters are the strong points of this film. Michael Clayton's (played by George Clooney) true intensions are never fully revealed to the audience until the very very end, thus keeping us on our toes.

If you enjoy films that are rather slow paced based on law, character development, and corporations...then you'll find this film very fascinating.

Point Blank (aka À bout portant) (2010)

8/10  [Highly Recommended]

Terrific!

Point Blank or À bout portant (original title): Samuel Pierret (Gilles Lellouche) is a nurse who saves the wrong guy -- a thief--which sends samuel's life into a state of chaos 

Point Blank is an action packed French thriller/crime/mystery that will have you so engrossed that you don't realize you have been gripping onto the arms of your chair for the entire film.

I started the film having not read any plot summaries or even have the slightest idea what it is about. About 5 minutes into the film, I knew I was in for an exciting ride. The movie starts off fast and edgy with a chase scene, which doesn't allow the audience to sit back in their seats.  You know you are watching a good thriller when you can feel yourself hyperventilating with the characters as they dash across busy streets--I sure felt the adrenaline pumping.

I am very happy with the casting for main character Samuel, played by Gilles Lellouche. Having seen Lellouche in Little White Lies and Tell No One, I was not disappointed in Point Blank. He carried the storyline well and greatly captured a man desperate to save his wife.

If you want action/thriller and good story line to wrap yourself in, then stop making excuses and give this movie a chance!

Never Let Me Go (2010)

7.5/10 [recommended]

Memorizing and heartbreaking

As children, Ruth, Kathy and Tommy, spend their childhood at a seemingly idyllic English boarding school. As they grow into young adults, they find that they have to come to terms with the strength of the love they feel for each other, while preparing themselves for the haunting reality that awaits them. 

Very different approach to a love story that will take your heart and lead it to a haunting place. Elegantly written and beautifully shot, this film is a masterpiece.


Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield and Keira Knightley are brilliantly magnificent in their performances. You can see the love, loss, realizations and pain through their expressions and gestures.

Though the film is a bit slow paced film the acting, the cinematography, the storyline and the witty/detailed dialogue intensifies the underlining message of morality and love. Having to prove the existence of love and a soul in order to gain a couple more years of life. The lack of appreciation and love they receive for the services they provide

Tasteful, elegant and heartbreaking. REcommended to selective audience. Give it a chance, it is amazing.

My Girl (1991)

7.5/10

step back to the 90's in this sweet meaningful film.


Plot: Vada Sultenfuss is obsessed with death. Her mother is dead, and her father runs a funeral parlor. She is also in love with her English teacher

So sweet and genuine. Film full of themes and overflowing with love.

The young cast is stunning in carrying the story with such power.

Great character development and fantastic collaboration of music and playful scenes. Definitely well put together.

Definitely recommended

Nine Queens (2000)

7/10

Cons after cons after cons that I don't even know what to expect.

plot: Nine Queens, Nueve reinas, is an Argentinian film about Two con artists try to swindle a stamp collector by selling him a sheet counterfeit rare stamps (the "nine queens").

[warning: spoiler] ----------

The opening sequence was a bit confusing becauseI assumed the two characters were in on it together, only to find out this is their first time meeting.

The film takes us through numerous cons, all with different approach but each resulting in the two men earning cash. These little cons revolves around a bigger scheme involving a set of stamps. With so many different cons happening in the film, I imagined there to be a bigger twist toward the end. Throughout the film I started guessing the alternative endings to Nine Queens. This isn't the first film I watched that I started making guessing the possible endings for. I predicted there to be a bigger scam overshadowing the Nine Queens, which I got correct. However, I was shocked to find out who was involved in the scam.

-----------

Starring Ricardo Darín the same actor from The Aura and The Truth In Their Eyes. Having watched three of his films almost consecutively, I have gotten a better appreciation for his acting. Darin is a very solid actor and can embody characters very well.

I would recommend people to watch The Truth in Their Eyes first and then Nine Queens; you can skip The Aura as it isn't everyone's cup of tea.

This film will make you very much aware of strangers the next time you are wondering the streets.

My Sassy Girl (2001)

7/10

Sweet and silly story

Plot: Based on a series of true stories posted by Ho-sik Kim on the Internet describing his relationship with his girlfriend...

The Korean My Sassy Girl is such a silly and sweet movie. I didn't think I would like this film much but it captured my attention. It wasn't the story, that itself was simple, but it is the way the story is told and how the movie is put together. We are constantly given scenes where win our minds we jump to one conclusion but in reality it is not that case.

This film is almost like serendipity but the two seem to continuously miss each other at key moments. "There's a time and season for every matter"

Kyun-woo (Tae-hyun Cha) is hilarious as the guy lead. Talk about having bad luck and can't explain yourself. I love seeing Kyun-woo get beat up by the girl (Gianna Jun), and the completely wild dares the girl tells Kyun-woo to do. The shoe exchange, now that was awesome. The girl, her complete disregard for things at times, scares me but eventually she grows on you.

My Sassy Girl is silly, wild, hysterical and a lot of fun to watch. Though at times a bit slow paced, the humor makes up for it. Overall, a good rom-com

Max Manus: Man of War (2008)

7/10

Solid cast, great set decoration but slow paced story

Plot: The true story about one of the most brilliant saboteurs during World War II and his battle to overcome his inner demons.

A decent film that captures the life of Max Manus during world war II.

However, I felt something was missing in this film to push it into the catagory of epic/classic but can't put my finger on what. Max Manus: Man of War had the action, great set decoration and amazing characters but it feels like it lacked in the intensity that other world war II films carried. The ease Max and his gang went through check points didn't leave me in cold sweat and panicked. I remember watching Uprising (the TV movie) and after certain scenes I was left shaken. A different type of feeling was created when I was viewing this film. I felt I was just on the sideline watching in on Max's life where I connected with a few characters but spectator for the rest.

This being one of the first Norwegian film I viewed, it has left an impression on me. It was well filmed with great camera angles, nice colour treatment in editing, realistic special effects, bloody amazing set decoration and solid casting. A bit more focus on the other characters' (like Gregers, Kolbein, Gunnar) lives in relation to Max and the saboteurs would have helped the audience to feel attached the the movie. It would have benefitted knowing just a bit more about the other characters to really feel the loss Max felt.

Overall a well made film that is worth viewing but not overly epic.

Though, not going to lie, I have grown rather fond of the supporting character Gregers and wouldn't mind seeing more of the actor  Nicolai Cleve Broch in films.

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.

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!

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

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!