Identity (2003)

8/10

More than meets the eye...

Starring John Cusack and Amanda Peet, Identity is a thriller/mystery/horror revolving a group of strangers at Nevada Motel in the mist of a storm, and slowly one by one starts to get killed off.

Plot line sounds simple right? Well there's more to this film than meets the eye...a lot more. Like the tag line says "Secret lies within," so if you want to know what happens...watch it.

Identity, isn't as scary as you would presume. The moments of fear are set up so you know it is coming. Doesn't catch you completely off guard, but does give you chills as the right time.

The editing in the first 20 minutes or so, is quite brilliant. Going back and forth between shots sets up how each character is connected to the film.
Brilliant film, however, could have done more cuts of flashback during the latter half of the movie.

If you like thrillers/mystery with a touch of scary element attached, then I would recommend you take a tour through Identity.

Brokedown Palace (1999)

7/10

A true test of friendship. If you were in their situation, what would you have done?

Starring Claire Danes and Kate Beckinsale, Brokedown Palace follows two best friends who, while on vacation, are arrested for smuggling.

This film revolves around the idea of friendship and the justice system. It is a very emotional and raw movie that deals with realistic issues and integrity.

The film unveils the bare hard truth that occurs when young people , like these girls, who only wanted a fun/exotic vacation, got more than they bargained for.

Beckinsale and Danes are both wonderful in this film, allowing viewers to really connect with their characters.

Brokedown Palace is a fantastic film, that I would recommend to those who enjoys a film that has depth and is emotionally raw.

Frequency (2000)

7/10

Coulda, shoulda, woulda..

Frequency is quite a thrill ride, packaging action, suspense, time-travel, and family bond together.

The film is about an radio link that coincidentally connects father (Dennis Quaid) and son (James Caviezel) across 30 years. The son, with the radio link attempts to save his father life but must deal with the consequences made by his alterations.

I stumbled upon this movie and am very surprised at how much I enjoyed it.

Frequency does a good job embracing the central theme of time travel. Playing with the idea that changing the past will have consequences in the future. The storyline isn't hard to follow, but can be quite frustrating as you are so caught up in the decisions and actions of the characters.

The characters and the relationship between them makes the difference in this film. The film toys with our emotions at every turn and with every character making it hard not to get attached to them.

Going between 1969-1999, the make-up follows suit quite well as you see the change in characters throughout the 30 year span.

As time traveling goes this would be on my list, right after Back to the Future I and II.

Girl Who Leapt Through Time

8/10

I've only seen ever about three anime and one of them is Girl Who Leaped Through Time. This film caught me off guard, I didn't know what to expect when I started watching. Towards the end, what can I say, I may have fell in love with it.

The animation made me laugh, tear and smile. A well written story that kept me hooked from minute one and left me smiling.

For someone who rarely watch anime, I recommend this one, it is very adorable, funny and meaningful.

The Game (1997)

6.5/10

David Fincher gives "plot-twist" a whole different meaning in this 1997 film starring Michael Douglas and Sean Penn.


The plot line, with exception of few parts, is well written. At every corner, at every turn, there's is a mixture of mystery and suspense. Almost like a giant maze without an exit.


The Game will cause you to distrust of your senses and question everything around you. This film is designed to get inside your head, and (excuse the pun) play with your mind.

The film does have it's flaws...---below may contain spoilers---

My only complaint is the ending is too far-fetched. Without giving away too much, I felt the ending, to some extent, ruined the final finale that the film has been building up to, which is disappointing.

Note: Watch "The Man Who Knew Too Little" afterward, it's a good parody to "The Game"

House of Sand and Fog (2003)

8.5/10 [HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]

Everyone has something to defend, and something to protect.

Starring Jennifer Connelly, Ben Kingsley House of Sand and Fog is phenomenal movie, that asks viewers to feel what the characters feel and let the emotions wash over you.

The film tears apart then piece back together the remnants of the mess. But before anything can settle, it rips off the scab leaving an unattended and exposed wound.

Jennifer Connelly gives a sublime performance balancing despair, fear, hopelessness and strength in her portrayal of Kathy. Ben Kingsley is equally fantastic in his Oscar nominated role. His portrays his character's emotions subtly, never having one emotion overtake another. You can see it in his eyes, the pride, strength and beliefs that burdens him...yet never once does he openly allow the feelings to pour through.

I haven't had a movie stir such a strong emotion in me. The hardest part of watching this film is the constant desire to reject the all the different emotions that fill this film. House of Sand and Fog asks you to reach deep inside your heart and feel...and that's what you should do--feel

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

9/10 (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!)

Dark humor and film noir parody at it's best!

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is by far one of the funniest I've seen in a long time. A great cast, a well written storyline, hilarious dialogue, interesting cinematography and unique editing makes this film a must-see.

The opening scene had me laughing and by the opening credits I was in love with this film. The dialogue is brilliant, witty and hilarious that it'll have you laughing throughout. The characters in this film are so sarcastic that, if it's even possible they become serious.

The editing is fantastic, matching the shots perfectly with Harry Lockhart's (Robert Downey Jr) narration. They use a very interesting technique to dealing with flash backs and scene pauses. The cinematography is beautiful. There is never a boring shot as each shot is framed differently and angle strategically. For example, in one scene Harry is shot from an upward angle and slowly zoomed out to show the rest of the room behind him. This zooming is perfect as it builds up the atmosphere.

The only down part is that the storyline gets so complicated that it becomes confusing. My advice watch the film a couple times, each time focus on a different element (like dialogue, storyline, character development and cinematography).


Robert Downey Jr. does such a stellar performance in the lead role. His facial expressions and body gestures are another reason this film is hysterical.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Highly recommended! (sidenote: there's some mature subject matter)

Extreme Measure (1996)

7/10

Extreme Measure delivers a great storyline, fantastic acting and a wonderful lesson on morality. Starring Hugh Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gene Hackman, I am surprised this film hasn't gotten more recognition, as it is quite entertaining.

The film starts in such a mystifying manner that it creates a mysterious atmosphere before the main character is even introduced. The use of music further emphasizes this atmosphere, by staying almost unnoticed in the background. The music supports a very well written and complying storyline. The storyline, although not overly complicated, has a lot of content and does a fantastic job of leaving a bread trail of hints to unravelling the mystery of the film.

Seeing Hugh Grant in such a serious role is another bonus of this film. Grant portrays the character "Luthan" in such a realistic way that you forget Grant was ever in comedies (he’s that good!). Grant’s portrayal is able to capture the alliance of the audience and keeps everyone engaged from minute one.

The film revolves around the theme of morality, the theory of consequentialism, and integrity of cultures/communities. “Few die so many could live” whether to kill one to save the world. The film pushes viewers to ask “what is the correct choice” or “whether there is even a correct choice.”

Recommended! Extreme Measures is a very smart film that entertains at the same time providing a lesson on morality.

Bang Bang You're Dead (2003)

6/10

About a boy who is pushed too far and has no one to lean on.

After my movie marathon the one film that touched me the most was "Bang Bang You're Dead". A troubled high school student, Trevor, as a result of bullying is pushed too far. This is the story of his fight to break free.

The use of music and cinematography is mediocre but that doesn't weaken this film at all. The realistic portrayal of bullying, humiliation and pressure shown in this film is so powerful that it washes over you forcing you to feel. A very emotionally raw film that puts a spot light on the reality of bullying.

REPO MEN (2010)

6/10

After watching an advanced screening of Repo Men in Toronto last night, couple things jumped out at me. A) filming location, b) gore c) storyline.

About ten minutes into the film, murmuring filled the entire theatre as everyone had the same realization/recognition that Repo men is filmed in Toronto. The film didn’t seem to put any effort into set decoration, because of how easily identifiable the locations are. The TTC logo is clearly in view for the subway scenes, Eaton centre stands out and despite their attempt to hide it through CGI, it is still obvious Queens street is one of the filming locations. Recognizing the locations made it difficult to focus on the film. Then again, if you never been to Toronto, then this should not be a problem.

Unlike SAW series, the gore in this film is just right. Repo Men has gore interspersed throughout the entire film but not over done. Not to say the film isn’t gory, if you have a weak stomach than this is not the film for you. The film seems to use every kind of tool possible from hammers to pocketknives in its killing/fight/surgical scenes. Be ready to see ten different types of blood splatters, sprays and stains.

Repo Men sadly lacks in a solid storyline and character development. The main character (Jude Law) goes through one epiphany but that is it for entire film. The story seems to be pieced together somewhat randomly with attempts to add twists and turns. The film is not very thrilling, or suspenseful. The ending, even though it is unpredictable, isn’t shocking rather a bit disappointing. Overall the storyline lacked in meat and could have done better in character development.

Nevertheless the gore and premise makes it somewhat worth seeing.