Lake Placid (1999)

6.5/10

What do you get when you throw interesting/wacky characters, chopper, gun fire, action, endless sarcasm, and one big croc? One fun Saturday movie night.

Here are the pros of this film: it almost feels like a wildlife documentary, lingered with a slight tone of horror, classy yet gross use of gore, and hilarious dialogue. I felt myself chuckling at the many sarcastic remarks and bantering of Shieff Hank and Mrs. Delores Bickerman. This film differs it self from many other creature features in the sense that the writers put focus on the characters of this film instead of just the 'horrifying monster'. OH and Betty White probably is the gem....

Starring Bill Pullman, Oliver Platt, Brendan Gleeson, Betty White


Cons of Lake Placid: Bridget Fonda's character kelly was a bit of a nag, I found her more peeving at times. If you were looking for horror, this film doesn't really make you jump (I dont do horror well, so this is a pro for me hehe) but it does make you not want to go swimming in a lake for a while. Some action taken in this film doesn't really have much common sense, but then again that's what makes it fun


Overall, it was fun ride. Not overly epic, but has some funny as well as gross moments.

Lost Room (2006)

8/10 [highly recommended]

Despite some flaws, still mindblowingly awesome.

A detective investigates a mysterious motel room, which acts as a portal to alternate universe after he lost something precious in the room.

The Lost Room had me completely engrossed from the first episode, I was pulled in and couldn't turn away until it ended.

Premise of The Lost Room is astounding. Without giving too much away, Lost Room is about a motel room and the many contents that it came with. The room and each item has a different/very unique abilities that is attached to it. The mini-series is built around these items and the people who covet after them. I was completely absorbed by the different qualities given to the items and the way all the items comes together.

Despite the fascinating premise, there were certain flaws that made it hard for me to give this series a perfect 10. The mini-series had way too many characters and sub-plots that didn't get developed enough. The character relationship was lacking in material and emotion. The main character, Joe Miller, felt kind of one-dimensional and we aren't really told why he was so special in comparison to the rest of people whom were once involved with the mysterious hotel room.

Joe Miller's relationship with the different characters, eg with the girl interest Jennifer Bloom, was thin and rushed. Besides being a cop and single father, we aren't given much background about Joe  and yet almost everyone he meets seemed very inclined to help him.

Also the gun, the way he points it at people at such close distance can be so easily swatted away, yet no one seem to be capable of disarming him....(i know, this is just me being picky but nevertheless bothersome).

Overall, I did enjoy this mini series and highly recommend it. The main focus of the film (the special abilities of the motel room/items premise) does overshadow the flaws (the undeveloped characters/relationships).  Very entertaining and will keep you at the end of your seat!

Injustice (2011) Mini-series

8/10 [Highly Recommended]

Holy awesomeness batman!! Such a good mini-series!!

Plot: On the surface William Travers is a picture of success. An accomplished criminal barrister happily living with his wife in rural Suffolk. However, Travers is still recovering from a traumatic series of events that have shaken his belief in the legal system

Hats off to the writers of Injustice, who created a complex masterpiece through flashbacks, multiple intersecting story lines from different characters and many twists.

The series starts off a bit slow, but give this mini a chance and sit through the first half of episode one; You'll be thankful that you did. This 6 episodes 300minutes long mini-series is filled with unexpected twists, clever dialoge, interwoven stories, suspense and great acting. I was truly amazed by suspenseful and thrilling adventure that was Injustice.

James Purefoy (from TV series Rome) and Charlie Creed-Miles both gave superb performances in the lead roles, giving an edge to this mini that otherwise wouldn't have been as great.

The rating on IMDB.com must have been the result people who can't tell the difference between great television programming and jersey shore.

Recommended to those who enjoys Law and Order, Sherlock Holmes, Mr.Brooks (movie) or just a great police/court/character-driven film.

The Last Castle (2001)

3/10

The premise sounded good but the dialogue, storyline and scenarios are stupidly ridiculous and overly exaggerated

All the characters are very one sided and simple minded. The dialogue is shallow and cliched. "The Castle prison" doesn't even feel like a real prison. All these bad-ass dangerous prisoners, who get food/beverages/free time/family visits, all act like babies whining about mistreatment and minimal issues making this film feel like a high school drama.


The prisoners and prison is built up at the introduction of the film to be dangerous and strict, however the film does not deliver this atmosphere at all. Also to add to the stupidity of the film is the "forbidden salutes" rule of the prison.

Bad film, it had potential but failed to create much emotion or thought. The action in this film is bare minimum, so I won't even recommend it as a brainless action flick.

Le grand blond avec une chaussure noire (1972)

6.5/10

Slow paced, quirky, funny

Plot: Hapless orchestra player becomes an unwitting pawn of rival factions within the French secret service after he is chosen as a decoy by being identified as a super secret agent.

I stumbled upon this French film accidentally and found it fairly entertaining.  The concept of this film intrigue and the introduction grabbed my attention right away. This is not a film to take too seriously as it is very quirky and full of ridiculous moments.

It wasn't as exciting or thrilling as I had hoped but there were numerous scenes that was ridiculously amusing and funny.

A remake of this film titled "The Man with One Red Shoe" was made in 1985 starring Tom Hanks.

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.

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.

Intouchables (2011)

9/10 [Highly Recommended!]

Fantastic story, funny and touching

Intouchables is based on true events about the relationship between a quadriplegic and a young man from the projets that is found to be his caretaker.

If I was wearing a hat during the film, I would take it off for the amazing performance by the cast. François Cluzet and Omar Sy made their characters come to life on screen. I would say I am now a fan of Cluzet, because not one moment in this entire film did I think of him as Alexandre Beck (Cluzet's able-bodied character from Tell No One).

Intouchables holds some very important key life lessons and  meticulously presents these lessons with humor. This film is able to not only capture the suffering of Philippe but also the joy of his pain. What I absolutely love is how Intouchables is able to overcome hardship/pain with comedy...and does so in such tasteful and delicate manner.

One of the most beautiful and strong friendship brought to life.

Please do yourself a huge favour and go watch this film. I fully enjoyed every second of it!

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.

Kontroll (2003)

6/10

odd film about subway life.

Plot A tale about a strange young man, Bulcsú, the fellow inspectors on his team, all without exception likeable characters, a rival ticket inspection team, and racing along the tracks... And a tale about love.

Not too sure how I feel about it. Kontroll has a wide range of quirky/funny characters and situations. Entire film shot underground in a subway system, with no day light. There is not much of a storyline, we just follow Bulcsú around as he work, played and slept in the underground system. We learn little bits about him throughout his wonderings but we never get the complete picture.

This film gives the audience an inner look at the subway system, giving a tour of what we normally do not see. The concrete walls, empty train tracks, the air vents and transfer tracks. The cinematography does a good job of creating the wonderment of this underground world.

Will take a special person to really appreciate this film.   It does not have much of a solid story line. It has action, some very dull moments, some dreamlike scenes and gore. The gore comes from the subway train running over people. Not for the weak stomach.  There are certain scenes where the situation is so ridiculous that it was actually fairly funny.

Pretty much all of your fears about riding public transit (be it bus, train...) all put together in this one film.

La môme (2007)

8/10 [highly recommended]

Stunning film all around!

La môme is the life story of singer Édith Piaf.

Our attention are gripped not only by the story but we are carried away by amazing music, brilliant make up and one amazing French actress, Marion Cotillard.


Love Me If You Dare and Inception are the first films I saw starring Marion Cotillard. With those films I was already in love with her performance. After seeing La môme, Cotillard has become one of my favourite actresses. Her performance as Edith Piaf is so stunning that, at times during the film, I forget I am watching a portrayal. Capturing the singers walk, gestures, facial expression, quirky, tone of voice and stance. Cotillard won the Oscar for Best Actress for this film, and damn did she ever deserve it!

The story is told out of sequence in a mix of flashbacks, memories and 'present' day. We follow Piaf's life in a classic fairy tale of the ugly duckling transforming to a beautiful swan. However, what most fairy tale fails to do is tell you that transformation into the beautiful swan, is not the ending of the story. As we can see in Piaf's story, her shining transformation came with a price.

Towards the end of the film, we find out a vital event that occurred early in the singer's life, which seems to finally shine some light on Piaf's later statement mind that was depicted early on in the film. A mix of songs at different stages in Piaf's life is knitted together by a non-linear storyline of her life. Throughout the film, I found myself slowly starting to piece together the story. It is as if each minute that passes, we are receiving a piece of puzzle building up to a mystery image.

The music is beautiful. It didn't matter that I didn't understand what the songs were about because music and singing had a way to sweep you away.

The second Oscar that this film won was for make up. The detail and realism that was involved in making Cotillard to look like Piaf, succeeded. The make up department was able to capture the singer in the late stages of her life looking ill, weak but still with energy to sing. It is not too difficult to make someone look old, BUT it is mighty hard to make someone look not only 1) old 2) resemble a different person 3) realistic. What really was impressive is the fact that the make up team was able to make the singer look like she's wearing make up to cover her ill stricken skin.


I highly recommend La môme! It is a work of art. Pieced together by a talented/dedicated actress, a great make up team, unique storytelling and pure beautiful music.

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.

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

8/10 [highly recommended]

Daring, unique and brilliantly epic

Plot: In Nazi-occupied France during World War II, a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as "The Basterds" are chosen specifically to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis.

Inglourious Basterds doesn't try to find forgiveness, to be historically accurate or to please the audience. It is full throttle on being a dark, fun filled comic fantasy film about an alternative WWII where people fault back. I loved the dark humour and gore that filled this film from bottom up. The film uses all the human emotions and takes a shape of its own.

Tarantino knows exactly how much gore, crudity and length of each scene. Giving you enough to laugh while gagging. He toys with cliches and uses unexpected as well as expected moments to put together a piece of art work.

All the Basterds are a bit mad, which gives the film an edgy appeal. My favourite characters would have to be Donny Donowitz (aka bear Jew played by actor Eli Roth) and Hugo (portrayed by Til Schweiger) as they have real dynamic to the group.

Go watch it! It's a crude, gory, unsympathetic and very daring film that is just plain awesome! Not recommended to the squeamish and the weak hearted as it is gory.

Oh and don't take the film seriously because that's not the point of it.

Little White Lies (2010)

7.5/10 [recommended]

Made me laugh, smile, cry and appreciate all that comes with friendship A fantastic film.

I don't even know where to begin telling you how much I enjoyed this French film. The amaxing casting, great writing, witty dialogue and heartfelt story makes this film SHEER CLASS.

Guillaume Canet did it again by writing/directing another phenomenal film that. Canet has a way of taking something simple (a group of friends on vacation) and making it into a heartfelt gem (their bonds and appreciation for one another). His focus on character development and simple witty dialogue exchanges makes him stand out from other films. 

Lady in the Water (2006)

4.5/10

Nice visually but slow story that is easily forgettable.

The Lady in the Water is about an apartment building superintendent Cleveland Heep rescues what he thinks is a young woman from the pool he maintains. When he discovers that she is actually a character from a bedtime story who is trying to make the journey back to her home, he works with his tenants to protect his new friend from the creatures that are determined to keep her in our world.  (imdb)

Lady in the Water wasn't as good as I hoped. It has a neat concept and puts emphasis on the fact that it is a fairytale story..BUT sadly, the execution and pace of the story is slow and boarders boring. I felt myself distracted away from the movie quite a number of times throughout the film. The stories tries to make itself different in the sense that it refers to itself within the movie. This film is definitely bizarre one that left me bored but pondering.

The casting for the film is solid and believable. I am definitely a fan of Bryce Dallas Howard after watching the Village, but I'm not sure how to feel about Lady in the Water.

The cinematography is visually appealing in this film with nice choice of angles, pans and unique use of camera focus. The shots make the audience aware of the fact that a camera is present, which emphasizes the idea of the story referring to itself.

Overall, mediocre story with nice visuals that sadly didn't hold my interest. I guess this film takes a special kind of audience, who enjoys the slow bizarre plot and the neat camera angles.

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.

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.

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

Kill The Irishman (2011)

6.5/10

Gripping story and exciting story

Kill The Irish Man is about the true story of Danny Greene, a tough Irish thug working for mobsters in Cleveland during the 1970's. (imdb)

When I started this film I was gripped instantly with the third person prespective of story tell of Danny Greene's life. The story takes us through Greene's childhood all the way to through his adult life. We follow his highs and lows, being both involved in his life and seeing it from afar.

Greene, being a thug with fraud and murder in his resume, somehow is a likable character. Well read, humorous and has heart, it's hard not to like Greene.

This film has a low budget, but this did not stop them from delivering a close knit and well performed movie.

Ray Stevenson brought Danny Greene to life. Val Kilmer's character Joe Manditski towards the end of the film disappeared and became non-exisitant dispite his narratoring role throughout. Although this detail doesn't affect the overall storyline of the film, it does stand out a bit.

If you like Godfather or Spranos...this may be your movie. Entertaining and gripping. Watch it and decide for yourself.

Inside I'm Dancing (2004)

8/10 [Highly Recommended]

A film about friendship, power of believing, love, respect, inspiration and a will to never give up.

Inside I'm Dancing is a story about when the kinetic Rory moves into his room in the Carrigmore Residential Home for the Disabled, his effect on the home is immediate. Most telling is his friendship with Michael, a young man with cerebral palsy and nearly unintelligible speech. Somehow, Rory understands Michael, and encourages him to experience life outside the confines of home.

This film is well written, beautifully shot and fantastically performed. Inside I'm Dancing made me laugh, smile and cry. It brought me to realize that if you put your mind to it and believe, anything is achievable. Respect, understanding and a heart to love will take you far.

James McAvoy and Steven Robertson, hands down, made this film fantastic! Their acting are so brilliant that is moves this movie forward with every scene.These two guys are just amazing! If i had any choice in the matter, I would give both these guys an Oscar, because they deserve it for this.


I highly recommed this film. The scripting, acting, simple cinematagraphy will capture your imagination. A small film with a huge heart! Do give this film a chance, you'll find yourself inspired!