Thursday, January 20, 2005
NATIONAL TREASURE
Featuring: Nicolas Cage, Sean Bean, Diane Kruger
Brief Synopsis: 2 men in competition look for a very big pot of gold with clues hidden round various U.S. monuments.
Comments: The critics hated it but the audiences loved it. I was swayed to the latter side. I could understand why the critics didn't like it with a thin plotline, flimsy characters and the dubious clues hidden around various aspects of American history. However what the audience enjoyed was the fast pacing of the film as the action moved thick and fast without giving you much time to dwell on the implausability of clues being hidden on the Declaration of Independence, dollar bills and big bells. The characters are also a nice mixed bunch with the various obligatory characters; 3rd generation heroic national treasure hunter, romantic love interest who is also into history and geeky, tech guy who makes the funny comments. The only surprise is that the bad guy doesn't want world domination. It's very much fast food entertainment - you know it's not that good for you but in the end, you just can't help enjoying yourself. Go in with low expectations and enjoy the Disneyland roller coaster ride.
Thing to learn from this film: You should really try to keep the guy who understands all the clues on your side.
Rating: 6 /10
Featuring: Nicolas Cage, Sean Bean, Diane Kruger
Brief Synopsis: 2 men in competition look for a very big pot of gold with clues hidden round various U.S. monuments.
Comments: The critics hated it but the audiences loved it. I was swayed to the latter side. I could understand why the critics didn't like it with a thin plotline, flimsy characters and the dubious clues hidden around various aspects of American history. However what the audience enjoyed was the fast pacing of the film as the action moved thick and fast without giving you much time to dwell on the implausability of clues being hidden on the Declaration of Independence, dollar bills and big bells. The characters are also a nice mixed bunch with the various obligatory characters; 3rd generation heroic national treasure hunter, romantic love interest who is also into history and geeky, tech guy who makes the funny comments. The only surprise is that the bad guy doesn't want world domination. It's very much fast food entertainment - you know it's not that good for you but in the end, you just can't help enjoying yourself. Go in with low expectations and enjoy the Disneyland roller coaster ride.
Thing to learn from this film: You should really try to keep the guy who understands all the clues on your side.
Rating: 6 /10
Friday, January 14, 2005
BRIDGET JONES: THE EDGE OF REASON
Featuring: Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant
Brief Synopsis: Middle aged woman has perfect boyfriend but then gets all twitchy about the relationship.
Comments: The film was ok, Yin Ping much preferred the first one though. Renee was excellent as the air headed Bridget (I can't believe how much weight she put on for the role) although her character is incredibly dim. My wife refused to believe anyone is that dumb! Colin and Hugh do alright as boyfriend and wannabe boyfriend but the script lacked that little bit of ummph for me. There were a few interesting relationship issues brought up, namely trust and committment, but overall there was nothing outstanding. Possibly unlucky to use Thailand as a holiday destination with re: current affairs and I'm sure a Thai prison is much worse than portrayed on screen. I'm also mystified why the 2 men are falling for her when she is completely ditzy because I can't really say I see the attraction. Still one man's lead is another man's gold... or something like that?!
Thing to learn from this film: "I happen to have a high regard for your wobbly bits" or a man who is sleeping with you probably doesn't mind seeing you naked in the daytime.
Rating: 5/10
Featuring: Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant
Brief Synopsis: Middle aged woman has perfect boyfriend but then gets all twitchy about the relationship.
Comments: The film was ok, Yin Ping much preferred the first one though. Renee was excellent as the air headed Bridget (I can't believe how much weight she put on for the role) although her character is incredibly dim. My wife refused to believe anyone is that dumb! Colin and Hugh do alright as boyfriend and wannabe boyfriend but the script lacked that little bit of ummph for me. There were a few interesting relationship issues brought up, namely trust and committment, but overall there was nothing outstanding. Possibly unlucky to use Thailand as a holiday destination with re: current affairs and I'm sure a Thai prison is much worse than portrayed on screen. I'm also mystified why the 2 men are falling for her when she is completely ditzy because I can't really say I see the attraction. Still one man's lead is another man's gold... or something like that?!
Thing to learn from this film: "I happen to have a high regard for your wobbly bits" or a man who is sleeping with you probably doesn't mind seeing you naked in the daytime.
Rating: 5/10
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
A WORLD WITHOUT THIEVES
Featuring: Andy Lau, Rene Liu, Ge You
Brief Synopsis: One of two thieves come to protect an innocent chap's life savings from other thieves on his train journey back home.
Comments: The brief synopsis really doesn't do justice to this film because there are so many things going on at once from the progression of the relationship between the two lead characters, to the naive, innocence of the young man, to the rivalry between the gangs of thieves on the train and it all came together to work really well. Actually at first, I thought I was in the wrong film as I expected a 1940s setting and here there were handheld video cameras on screen! But my attention was captivated as the film progressed with the majestic landscapes adding to the feel of the film.
Andy Lau and Rene Liu are perfectly cast as they struggle with their choices throughout the film (to protect the boy or to rip him off in Andy Lau's case) and the is it a romance or not subplot. The innocence of the simple country boy is also well portrayed (and debated) as are the mutiple guises of the leader of the baddy thieves portrays. The girl in his group is also very cute in her own way! And let's not forget the fast moving hand scenes where wallets are stolen and fights are well fought. I also like the fact that the Chinese film industry are not afraid to have unhappy endings unlike their Hollywood counterparts.
Thing to learn from this film: Sometimes there is smoke without fire.
Rating: 7/10
Featuring: Andy Lau, Rene Liu, Ge You
Brief Synopsis: One of two thieves come to protect an innocent chap's life savings from other thieves on his train journey back home.
Comments: The brief synopsis really doesn't do justice to this film because there are so many things going on at once from the progression of the relationship between the two lead characters, to the naive, innocence of the young man, to the rivalry between the gangs of thieves on the train and it all came together to work really well. Actually at first, I thought I was in the wrong film as I expected a 1940s setting and here there were handheld video cameras on screen! But my attention was captivated as the film progressed with the majestic landscapes adding to the feel of the film.
Andy Lau and Rene Liu are perfectly cast as they struggle with their choices throughout the film (to protect the boy or to rip him off in Andy Lau's case) and the is it a romance or not subplot. The innocence of the simple country boy is also well portrayed (and debated) as are the mutiple guises of the leader of the baddy thieves portrays. The girl in his group is also very cute in her own way! And let's not forget the fast moving hand scenes where wallets are stolen and fights are well fought. I also like the fact that the Chinese film industry are not afraid to have unhappy endings unlike their Hollywood counterparts.
Thing to learn from this film: Sometimes there is smoke without fire.
Rating: 7/10
