Welcome to the Punch (2013)

6.5/10

A thrilling film with a decent twist. The film tried to use slow-mo action sequences to set itself from other action films, which was effective. However, this film still kept many cliche gun fights and car chases that somehow ends in the hero surviving the madness.

Bit slow at times but superb performance from James Mcavoy and Mark Strong makes it worthwhile.

WORLD'S END (2013)

8.5/10 [Highly Recommended]

What do you get when action, hysterical laughter, quirky to the max, drinking, ass-kicking and boo boo come together? World's End. Let the weird begin

Plot: Five friends who reunite in an attempt to top their epic pub crawl from 20 years earlier unwittingly become humankind's only hope for survival.

The director/maker of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz is back. This time with World's End. Edger Wright and Simon Pegg, thank you. You two did it right again.


 Cons: the beginning was a bit slow, it was a good 20 minutes into the film before the pace finally picked up. I would have loved more hints at the weirdness earlier in the film, just little oddities of speech.

Pros:

1. I loved the CGI, even though some of the final scenes appeared kind of fake but overall 7.5/10
2. casting is great (esp addition of Martin Freeman and Rosamund Pike) 9/10
3. I really appreciated the witty dialogue as it sometimes required some head work to get the punchlines.
4. It didn't depend on slapstick comedy, or even grotesque rate R references to create the humor.  10/10
5. Many great one-liners that I will be carrying into my daily use,  Boo Boo

Rust and Bone (2012)

7/10

This film is not easy to explain, It is raw and blunt– a punch in the gut, yet it is also a film of intelligence and sensitivity.

Plot: Put in charge of his young son, Ali leaves Belgium for Antibes to live with his sister and her husband as a family. Ali's bond with Stephanie, a killer whale trainer, grows deeper after Stephanie suffers a horrible accident

War of Buttons (2011)

8/10 [Highly Recommended]

Tres Magnificent!!!!

Plot: In occupied France, Lebrac leads a play war between two rival kid gangs, but his feelings for Violette, a Jewish girl in danger of being discovered by the Nazis, encourage Lebrac to face the reality of what's happening around him.

I am so glad I ignored the rating from IMDB and watched this film. It is a heartfelt film set in a small town during world war II and their struggles to stay together under the Germany regime. War of Buttons mainly focuses on a group of kids of one town and a rival group of kids. What this film does so well is it uses this group of kids as a metaphor of the actual war that was taking place. This group of boys, led by Lebrac, goes through multiple battles with the rival town over buttons and territory like a mini war. Many themes (innocences, betrayal, love, hate, bond, friendship, battles, confidence..) are explored from this simple warring between the kids, as they experience the effects of the actual war that's taking place.


Not only is the acting from all the kids, especially Clément Godefroy and Jean Texier, absolutely amazing and realistic; This film stars one of my favourite French actors as well!! Guillaume Canet, who plays the school teacher, has been one of my favourite actors since the film Love Me If You Dare, making this film an absolute TREAT!!

I highly recommend this film. The underlining theme of the world war II mixed with the innocence of the children, well written/funny dialogue and superb acting makes this film a GEM

Witness for Prosecution (1957)

8.5/10 [highly recommended]

You want murder, suspense, thriller and twists upon twists?!? Well then strap yourself in and watch this gripping courtroom drama written by Agatha Christie.

Plot: It's Britain, 1953. Upon his return to work following a heart attack, irrepressible barrister Sir Wilfrid Robarts, known as a barrister for the hopeless, takes on a murder case, much to the exasperation of his medical team

From moment one of this movie, my mind was moving and attempting to figure out what the possible ending might be like. Leave it to Agatha Christie to write crime thriller full of twists and leaves the reader/viewer completely in suspense. The ending will blow you away, and I am sworn not to give away this ending and I stand by it.

This film consists of mostly dialogue that is very detailed, witty and sophisticated, which requires the viewers to pay close to attention. The case starts off very slow but picks up pace like a cheetah spotting its prey around minute 30 and continues its run until the ultimate twist filled conclusion.

I HIGHLY recommending this film to anyone who enjoys a murder mystery, courtroom/crime drama...as Witness for Prosecution will not disappoint!!

Rogue (2007)

5/10

Its bark scarier than its bite

plot: An American journalist on assignment in the Australian outback encounters a man-eating crocodile.

It is a very mundane creature feature, not much in storyline or in graphics. BUT it does have some amazing and stunning landscape sceneries of Australia.

The acting is not bad, with the at-the-time-not-discovered Sam Worthington and Michael Vartan.

 Rogue, although thin in terms of storyline/material, it is still an entertaining creature feature. I would recommend this to those who enjoyed Anaconda I and II. If you want something that mixes horror/creates/comedy, then I would recommend: Tremors, Eight Legged Freaks and Lake Placid.

Winter At Wartime (2008)

8/10 [Highly Recommended]

Amazing war film with a great spin

Winter in Wartime plot: Near the end of World War II, 14-year-old Michiel becomes involved with the Resistance after coming to the aid of a wounded British soldier

The acting, cinematography, writing, and set decoration all came together beautifully in this film.

The cast is unknown to me, but the performance is phenomenal. The story is a bout a 14 year old who witnesses his family and friends being tangled in the war. We watch as he comes to age and matures through different events that occur.

This film reminds me of the film/book Boy in the Striped PJs where the war is seen from the point of view of a boy. Winter in Wartime is far better in comparison. We see the war and its impact on a village from the perspective of a boy whose family is caught in the middle of World War II. We see the boy maturing and seeing the world differently as the movie progresses. His understanding of the war, difference between right and wrong, and the idea of trust in people changes.

What I love about the film is the unexpected twist and its well written characters. I did not expect much from this movie but I thoroughly enjoyed the 103 minutes. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to those who love war films with a great storyline.

Where God Left His Shoes (2007)

7.5/10 [recommended]

when it rains, it pours but a storm won't last forever

A failed boxer (Leguizamo) struggles to find a job and an apartment for his family on Christmas Eve.

What would you do if you lost your home as well as your job and needed to support a family?

Like Pursuit to Happiness, Where God Left His Shoes is aobut a down on his luck father, Frank Diaz (Leguizamo), who takes his son and goes through the city searching for a job in order to get his family an apartment. The relationship between Frank and his son is tested as the two goes through highs and lows. Through multiple scenarios and events, Frank takes his family out for Christmas eve meal, but in fear that he can't fend for his family. We see the Diaz family drifting from shelter to shelter, place to place without any luck.

The acting is fantastic. John Leguizamo and Leonor Varela are fantastic in the role of the desperate parents needing to fend for their family but completely out of luck. The kids are perfect in supporting the story. The family's frustration and desperation levels are brought to extreme but yet they stick together.

Unlike Pursuit to Happiness, we aren't given a resolving conclusion to the family. We don't know what will happen to them but we know that together, the four of them will be alright.

Beautiful film that will really make you appreciate what you have in life, because not everyone is as lucky.

Run Fatboy Run (2007)

7.5/10

Run Forest-I mean Fatboy Run!

Run Fatboy Run is about Five years after jilting his pregnant fiancée on their wedding day, out-of-shape Dennis decides to run a marathon to win her back.

Simon Pegg stars and David Schimmer directs. Last film I saw with the duo was in Big Nothing, which was pretty fun film to watch.

Simon, again, is fabulous as Dennis the average joe who wants to accomplish something for once in his life. I am adding this to the list of awesome Simon Pegg film collection.

Simple story made quite enjoyable with some extremely silly characters and well knitted dialogue. This film doesn't cause burst of hysterical laughter but rather is filled with subtle humor that keeps you snickering.

The funny thing is I watched this film while doing my own spin cycle on the exercise bike and what a motivation it is. After the film I wanted to go for a run, I might have to watch this film every time I feel lazy.

Lazy people who hates running be warned, this film is not for you even though it is funny, well written, and has amples of corky characters.

Run Fatboy Run review

The Witches (1990)

7/10

Incredible special effects make up that still scares me even now.

plot: A young boy stumbles onto a witch convention and must stop them, even after he has been turned into a mouse. 

I remember having watched this when I was in elementary school and left pretty much sleepless that night. Well re-watching The Witches, it still gives me chills. What a timeless film in that regards.

Anjelica Huston is outstanding in her portrayal and definitely highlight of this movie.

This film does an incredible job in mixing slap-stick humor, legend of witches and terrifying looking witches together. Definitely worth watching!

Run Lola Run (1998)

7.5/10 [highly recommended]

Fast pace, enticing and great storyline

Plot: A young woman in Germany has twenty minutes to find and bring 100,000 Deutschmarks to her boyfriend before he robs a supermarket.

This German thriller is well made to incorporate both cartoon, action sequences and well oriented music. This film uses one simple event to demonstrate its effect on the lives of people who come into contact with it. Run Lola Run takes the one event and fine combs it to allow the imperfection to come out.

The use of of cinematography and cartoon appeal is absolutely wonderful in this film. It not only engages you but it also allows us to be in the mindset of the main character as she frankly attempts to stop her boyfriend from robbing a supermarket. Without giving too much away, everytime she comes into contact with a stranger we see this stranger's life flash before us in a series of photographs. This is a great effect in giving us a quick glance into the lives of others.

Wonderful film that is fast paced and really uses music well to help accompany this film. Love it and I highly recommended!

Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

7.5/10 [highly recommended]

Unique editing, hilarious, freaky and deep

Royal Tenenbaums is about An estranged family of former child prodigies reunites when one of their member announces he has a terminal illness. (imdb)

An astounding cast of Gene Hackman, Angelica Huston, Danny Glover, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Luke Wilson, Bill Murray... coming togther and strengthening the overall effect of the funny yet poignant plot.

Royal Tenenbaums is able to take a simple plot and build a roller coaster ride of emotions and themes. Each character is carefully crafted and developed to bring out a different element in the film.

A single viewing of this film, for me, was not enough. There's so much detail in the editing, dialgue, characterization and camera angles that one view will not do the film justice. I recommend viewing this film multiple times and each time taking note of a different element.

Royal Tenenbaums is like a moving book. It has chapters where you 1) read, 2)imagine then 3)see. It makes the film so much more interesting because each page that appears, a different "rising action" will take place. It also gives you a chance to pause and think. [you'll know what I mean once you once the film...]

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! smart, funny, freaky, real, dark and deep.

Without A Clue (1988)

6/10

keeps you interested with bits of humor

Without A Clue is a spoof on about detective Sherlock Holmes, except we find out that Holmes is a drunkard who is really just a cover for the real detective - Dr Watson.

Michael Caine and Ben Kingsley are both amazing in this film, driving the plot. Definitely worth watching just for the duo.

For those who would like to watch it, here it is:

Rookie Blue (2009-Present) TV series

8/10 [recommended]


Good drama supported by an amazing cast.

Rookie Blue follows the lives of five rookie cops from 15 Division in Toronto who have just graduated from the academy. They must learn not only to deal with their duties as police officers, but also deal with the problems and expectation of their families and friends. ( plot description from wiki)

Rookie Blue really captures the everyday lives both in uniform and out of uniform of the rookie officers. This series puts focus on the reality that these officers are people with their own concerns and life problems but they all share the same devotion to wanting to serve/protect.

The beauty of this show lies in the nice balance between character development and action. It doesn't have all the suspense and CGI of CSI but it has enough content to keep you glued to the screen. Rookie Blue is refreshing as it feels realistic and not overdone with special effects.

The cast is amazing, with many familiar faces. Missy Peregrym, whom I've been a fan of since Life As We Know (TV Series), is amazing as Andy McNally the tough rookie who rarely lets anyone in. Gregory Smith, from the old TV show Everwood that I watched when I was a kid, plays Dov Epstein is great. Eric Johnson, from season one of Smallville, portrays Detective Luke Callaghan.

Oh, did I mention, it's Canadian!

I really like this show for it's realistic appeal and simple editing technique. It is refreshing. I recommend people to give the show a chance, you may find yourself drawn into it.

Watchmen (2009)

9/10 [highly recommended]

Deep, compelling with a tone of content. Who watches over the Watchmen? We do

In an alternate 1985 where former superheroes exist, the murder of a colleague sends active vigilante Rorschach into his own sprawling investigation, uncovering something that could completely change the course of history as we know it. (imdb)

I never read the graphic novel so my enjoyment of this film is based on the tone, camera work, story, set design, casting, music and editing. The movie is long, though when I sat down to view it I did not feel it to be long at all. The film does have some adult material and much gore, but these were done so they didn't overtake the story of the film.

Watchmen is dark, iconic, full of allegories and allusions. This film has a lot of content and themes that it needs more than one view to fully understand what is going on. There's more than one underlining message to be taken in. This film tugs at so many emotions from love, hate, betrayal, fear, anger, disgust, surprised, confusion...that's how powerful this film is. Everything on earth is connected and everything in this film is as well.

The choice of music is absolutely gold! The recognition of the iconic tunes from the 60s and 70s will make you pause to really listen to the lyrics and how befitting they are to this film. I love how Watchmen can get you reminiscing memories with just the recognition of the songs.

Watchmen was shot in Vancouver, at a studio that I've been to. When I first watched the movie, I never took notice of the set decoration and location. But upon my second viewing today, I took much notice of the set and am amazed how much of the film is shot in such a compact set.

The dark and errie use of lighting and rough design of the set is perfect in supporting the mood of the film.

Go watch the film yourself! It is brilliant piece of work! I am so going to get myself the DVD and the graphic novel!

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...

Resurrecting The Champ (2007)

6.5/10

Don't let the 'sports film' description of this film fool you, this movie is much more than just another ugly duckling make it.

Resurrecting The Champ is about an Up-and-coming sports reporter rescues a homeless man ("Champ") only to discover that he is, in fact, a boxing legend believed to have passed away. What begins as an opportunity to resurrect Champ's story and escape the shadow of his father's success becomes a personal journey as the ambitious reporter reexamines his own life and his relationship with his family. (imdb)

This movie is inspired by the article "Resurrecting the Champ" by J.R. Moehringer which appeared in the Los Angeles Times Magazine in 1997. The movie did not follow the events of the article and journalist entirely as it exaggerated certain elements, but most of the story's main facts are true.

Starring Samuel L Jackson and Josh Hartnett, this movie goes to the heart of how much we try to make a name for ourselves only to realize that it may not turn out the way we want it to. Jackson is amazing in his role as a homeless man who's not always feeling 100%. When you are watching Samuel L Jackson as The Champ, you forget that he is Nick Fury (Iron Man/ Captain America), Mace Windu (star wars) or Jules Winnfield (Pulp Fiction. He embodies his role as the Champ so well that I am surprised he never won an Oscar.

Ressurecting The Champ is very a inspirational piece of filmmaking. It asks you to think about yourself and the way you preceive yourself and how you want others to preceive you. integrity, truth, preception, fame and responsibilities are some key themes that this film touches upon.

I would say this is a real gem of a movie. It isn't entirely epic, but you can walk away with so much from this movie.

If you don't end up watching this movie, at least remember this you are who you want to be, not what others say you are.

Wild Target (2010)

6/10

Simple and lovable film with an amazing cast

Wild Target is about Victor Maynard a middle-aged, solitary assassin, who lives to please his formidable mother, despite his own peerless reputation for lethal efficiency. His professional routine is interrupted when he finds himself drawn to one of his intended victims, Rose. (synopsis via imdb)

This film is simple, cute and has funny moments sprinkled throughout. The love-story that is created is unconventional but yet very believable. There are many cliches in this film, but none of which deters this film from being enjoyable.

The casting is amazing! Bill Nighy is charming as the middle-aged assassin. Emily Blunt is beautiful and playful as the con-artist/thief. Martin Freeman is great as the rival assassin, creating some funny moments with small gestures. Freeman's overly white teeth gives his character an unrealistically comical appearance, adding to the humor of the movie. Rupert Grint's character is a bit out of place in this film, but his clueless manner only emphasize the silliness in the film.

Overall, I enjoyed this film. Many silly, funny, and cute moments. Not too much focus in cinematography and special effects that is worth noting in this film. Does have many cliches but this only adds to the humor of the movie. I recommend it for those who wants a good laugh, a simple plotline and an unconventional love-story.

When In Rome (2010)

7/10

Quirky, funny and adorable romantic comedy with a good cast.

When in Rome revolves around Beth, a young, ambitious New Yorker who is completely unlucky in love. However, on a whirlwind trip to Rome, she impulsively steals some coins from a reputed fountain of love, and is then aggressively pursued by a band of suitors. (IMDB)

I love the cast of When in Rome from the leads, Kristen Bell and Jason Duhamel to the supports Lee Pace, Will Arnett, Jon Heder, Dax Shepard and Danny Devito. The supporting cast of suitors are awkwardly cute and funny. Very genuine and believable performance. I wish Lee Pace (Pushing Daisies) had more screen time, as I absolutely love him. Kristen Bell is such a great actress,

The storyline is very quirky and fairy tale like, which made the film very adorable and light. I fell in love with the characters easily, thus enjoying the film came naturally.

Like all rom coms (romantic comedies) the ending is predictable and follow similar storyline but When In Rome is unique in the sense that it had a very wide range of wacky but lovable characters. Because of the characters and the actors/actresses that portrayed them increased my appreciation for this film.

Also this film made me chuckle and laugh numerous times throughout...never failing to make me smile. Overall I really enjoyed it. There's also a bit of twist in the end, which I did not foresee.

The end credit scene finishes the film perfectly.

And there seems to be a lot of running in this film, made me want to go for a jog myself!

"To love someone is to put their needs above your own..."

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.