Wednesday, April 21, 2004
HELLBOY
(otherwise known as SUPER SAPIENS in Malaysia)
Featuring: Ron Perlman, Selma Blair
Brief Synopsis: Demon summoned by Nazis is raised by the Americans and is used to deal with other naughty creatures that the police can't handle.
Comments: A quirky comic book adaptation which was enjoyable. Ron Pearlman fits his character like a glove and his charism and mannerisms shine through the red make up and filed down horns. The chief assassin has his fair share of spectacular shots as well. The plot is interesting enough to keep the viewers intrigued with the right amount of dialogue and action (although there was an noisy Malay girl in the audience - grrr). It must every hero's nightmare - you kill a creature, two more appear in its place! The photography is strong with the setting of scenes bringing the right mood to the film, such as the black umbrellas at the funeral. I enjoyed it enough without describing it as brilliant although only comic book fans can tell if it is true to the original (and even then they might argue about it!). If anyone can tell me why he likes cats so much, that would be great as well.
Thing to learn from this film: There is no such thing as destiny.
Rating: 6.5/10
(otherwise known as SUPER SAPIENS in Malaysia)
Featuring: Ron Perlman, Selma Blair
Brief Synopsis: Demon summoned by Nazis is raised by the Americans and is used to deal with other naughty creatures that the police can't handle.
Comments: A quirky comic book adaptation which was enjoyable. Ron Pearlman fits his character like a glove and his charism and mannerisms shine through the red make up and filed down horns. The chief assassin has his fair share of spectacular shots as well. The plot is interesting enough to keep the viewers intrigued with the right amount of dialogue and action (although there was an noisy Malay girl in the audience - grrr). It must every hero's nightmare - you kill a creature, two more appear in its place! The photography is strong with the setting of scenes bringing the right mood to the film, such as the black umbrellas at the funeral. I enjoyed it enough without describing it as brilliant although only comic book fans can tell if it is true to the original (and even then they might argue about it!). If anyone can tell me why he likes cats so much, that would be great as well.
Thing to learn from this film: There is no such thing as destiny.
Rating: 6.5/10
Thursday, April 15, 2004
WALKING TALL
Featuring: The Rock, Johnny Knoxville
Brief Synopsis: Special Forces guy goes back to his hometown, finds a huge casino there and the local kids on drugs and kicks the responsible ass.
Comments: I was warned beforehand by Grace that it was a violent film but it wasn’t as bad as others I seen. I mean is a WWF wrestler ever going to give a dramatic performance based on emotions? But it’s a simple storyline with a lot of fighting and a bit of strip tease, which they of course cut out of the Malaysian version. There’s a nice long look at The Rock’s body if you like that sort of thing! Watchable but don’t expect an Oscar.
Thing to learn from this film: Don’t gamble.
Rating: 5/10
Featuring: The Rock, Johnny Knoxville
Brief Synopsis: Special Forces guy goes back to his hometown, finds a huge casino there and the local kids on drugs and kicks the responsible ass.
Comments: I was warned beforehand by Grace that it was a violent film but it wasn’t as bad as others I seen. I mean is a WWF wrestler ever going to give a dramatic performance based on emotions? But it’s a simple storyline with a lot of fighting and a bit of strip tease, which they of course cut out of the Malaysian version. There’s a nice long look at The Rock’s body if you like that sort of thing! Watchable but don’t expect an Oscar.
Thing to learn from this film: Don’t gamble.
Rating: 5/10
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
THE CUP
Featuring: Jamyang Lodro, Orgyen Tobgyal, Neten Choklig, Lama Chonjor, Godu Lama
Brief Synopsis: World Cup fever takes over one young monk in India.
Comments: A very pure, innocent film where you can feel the rawness of the producer, Khyentse Norbu. Apparently based on real life events, it gives the viewer a taste of what life inside a Buddhist monastery is like with the story of the young protagonist intertwined within it all. The pace of the film is totally unlike the products turned out of Hollywood. There are no musical scores, no romantic interests, no violence; just a film that reflects the quiet and unassuming life of a monk. An interesting piece of work although I’m not totally sure it will appeal to everyone. If you want a slice of something different, give this a taste. The film is in Tibetan but has English subtitles.
Ratings: 7/10
Featuring: Jamyang Lodro, Orgyen Tobgyal, Neten Choklig, Lama Chonjor, Godu Lama
Brief Synopsis: World Cup fever takes over one young monk in India.
Comments: A very pure, innocent film where you can feel the rawness of the producer, Khyentse Norbu. Apparently based on real life events, it gives the viewer a taste of what life inside a Buddhist monastery is like with the story of the young protagonist intertwined within it all. The pace of the film is totally unlike the products turned out of Hollywood. There are no musical scores, no romantic interests, no violence; just a film that reflects the quiet and unassuming life of a monk. An interesting piece of work although I’m not totally sure it will appeal to everyone. If you want a slice of something different, give this a taste. The film is in Tibetan but has English subtitles.
Ratings: 7/10
