| Movie | Rating | Review | Date | Your Rating | Match | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - PG |
Directed by: David Yates Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman The Review: As to say, this movie is as 'Harry Potter' as always. The difference is, it's getting darker as the story grows. Let's talk about the actors, the screenplay, and the effect. First as always, the actor and actress. All cast such as Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint has grown well, and develop their character well, and that level of performance, is the performance where no other young actor/actress could play (as Harry, Ron, and Hermione of course). Thankfully, Harry Potter has good supporting cast such Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, and Michael Gambon who did as good as they always did. Next the screenplay. I have to say, it has massive difference with the novel, and again so much reduction. For example, in the novel, Harry shown by Dumbledore about 4 to 5 flashbacks, but in the movie, they shown only 3. They also add things that is not written in the novel, but thankfully those addition did not bring the movie to destruction. And the screenplay, successfully add the dark tone in it. Finally, the effect. The previous installment's effect is good, but special effect here, is magnificent! As it shown in the trailer, when Dumbledore use his fire magic to wipe out the Inferis (animated corpse). After all, still for those who has read and enjoy the novel, this movie might disappoint them, but in overall, this movie still one of the best blockbuster movie of 2009's summer. But still, should do better for the last two installment. "Why is it, that whenever anything happens, it's always you three? "
-Minerva McGonagall [to Harry, Ron, & Hermione]- |
July 26, 2009 | N/A | |||
| In Bruges - R |
Directed By: Martin McDonagh Starring: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes The Review: Certainly, I have no exact words to express this movie. It's, really, another good satire which need a cool head to understand it. I have to say, things that were good from this movie are the actor's performance, the script, and the cinematography. First, the performance. Colin Farrel give a great performance (which gave him a Golden Globe Trophy), as Ray, a young and depressed hitman. He is able to express his stress and he know when to match his dialog and his face well. Also Brendan Gleeson did well to assist Colin Farrel, although the word 'Assist' is not proper for him for he was another leading cast, but after all he is able to play a senior hit-man and a mentor of course. Last, is Ralph Fiennes, as good as always he did. Then, the script, I have to say, its brilliantly written. It has a perfect combination: between mellow and funny. And the story flow smoothly. It's just, Wow! Last, but not least is the cinematography. The cinematography captured not only great act from the actors/actress but also the magnificent view of Bruges, also, when it need, it shown Bruges as a desperate city as the character Ray view it. Plus, the score able to support this good cinematography well. Finally, In Bruges simply a simple but unique story that shouldn't be missed, especially for those who like the dark comedy. "Maybe that's what hell is, the entire rest of eternity spent in fucking Bruges."
-Ray- |
July 17, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - PG-13 |
Directed By: Michael Bay Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, John Turturro, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson The Review: Lot's CG, cars, robots, explosions, explosions and explosions. That's what this movie mainly about, plus Megan Fox. Let's talk the good, then followed by the bad and end this review with the ugly. The good part of this movie is it's effect. I have to say that the effect especially the CG part is absolutely, as amazing as always. Michael Bay really know how to make extraordinary effect on his movie, and he add it always. Also the action as the additional part of the effect did something satisfying. While the special effect singled out as the main and only good part of this movie, the rest of it took part as the bad and the ugly part of the movie. The bad one is the actors, well, I doesn't say that they did bad works here, but they simply did less than those robots, which leads us the ugly part of the movie. The bad part of the movie is the story. Unlike the first movie where human character's proportion mixed well with the robot's proportion, this movie the robots take over the screen, and the story, the story is extremely cheap and crunchy. And the duration, it screened too long, could you imagine, watching movie with bad plot within two and a half hour? That simply waste of time. Oh, before I forgot, the comedy here, did save some of this movie. Entertaining for kids, but not for critics. The Effect: 5/5 The Story: 0/5 "It's a choice. It's an intensely personal decision. So much negativity. Who wants to live a life filled with hate?"
|
July 16, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (Ice Age 3) - PG |
Director: Carlos Saldanha Starring: Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Queen Latifah First of all, I have to say, this movie is stunning! Based of Ice Age Franchise's track record, I couldn't expect anything spectacular, but the latest installment of Ice Age simply blow me away! I have to say, this is the funniest Ice Age of all time (okay, compared to previous installment), but still, not the best. Well, it has weak point in the story, which I feel a little bit something not good. Might be because of it's just repeating the very same formula with the last two franchise, but, the joke and the comedy hit the target well, and is able to save this franchise from disaster. Scratt, who is as entertaining as always, give his funniest and his best performance, thanks to the animator, and I believe, his story is much-much better than his in Ice Age 2: The Meltdown. Need a reason why? Power of love perhaps? The score, is as decent as always. The animation? It's getting better, and the crew is able to create amazing view and movement, thanks to 3-D format. Well, this stunning movie is the best and the most shocking guilty pleasure in summer 2009. Thank you Blue Sky! |
July 11, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Tim Burton's Corpse Bride - PG |
Director: Tim Burton, Mike Johnson Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson, Tracy Ullman The Review Well, it's been a time since my last review, well, proceed. This movie is so Burton. It's dark, a little bit gloomy, and it's interesting plus funny. This is one of the animation that one should have seen, especially those who doesn't like cheerful things like we see in most of Pixar's Movie. The story is not wonderful, but still a decent one. It run to fast, I think it would be better if the duration added, at least 10 or 15 more minutes. Beside of the script, the set and also the shot is wonderful and again I said, entertaining. Danny Elfman's score provided this movie perfect tone and ambiance. Well done Burton! Keep it up! |
July 11, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Coraline - PG |
Directed by: Henry Selick Starring: Dakota Fanning, Ian McShane, Teri Hatcher, Dawn French The Review: Alright, I;m running out of words. First this movie is one of the best of '09's first semester. Second, currently, it's 2nd best animation of the year, behind UP. Third, it's the best stop motion animation since The Nightmare Before Christmas. Well, no wonder, it's Henry Selick, the very same director who had directed Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas. He directed a good movie and provided a perfect tone to it's dark script. Did I mention the script? Ah, the script is very good, providing a story that's not only lovable by kids but also for the adults. Let's say, it's quite dark, well dark enough but entertaining. The score is lovely, perfecting the tone of the movie. That's all about Coraline. I hope you enjoy it. "You probably think this world is a dream come true... but you're wrong."
-The Cat- |
June 29, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Raging Bull - R |
Director: Martin Scorsese Starring: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent |
June 15, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Star Trek - PG-13 |
Director: J.J. Abrams Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Leonard Nimoy, Eric Bana, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, John Cho, Anton Yelchin The review: What? It might be the best movie of 2009, well at least the best in the first half of 2009. Almost every part of it is amazing. The ambiance when I watch it simply remind me of the ambiance when I watch Iron Man last year, only Star Trek is better. J.J. Abrams did well both on directing and promoting this movie. He is able to draw curiosity from the audience and their curiosity is paid with an amazing visualization and cinematography lead by his directing. About the cast, most of the cast is able to combine elegance and fierceness well. Especially Zachary Quinto, those combination is able to distract us from his odd looking haircut. Chris Pine although some considered him as right people not on the right time, for me he give solid performance as the new Kirk. A nice performance from the supporting cast such as Karl Urban, John Cho, and also Leonard Nimoy, the original Spock. Really, he was born to be Spock. And do not forget Eric Bana, he know what kind of character he is playing. Next, the special effect. One word to say: Amazing. The crew is able to make amazing galaxy pictures on screen! The score, suited well with the condition, the script is fresh, and so on. That's all for Star Trek, anyway, the future of this series begin now. "Once you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."
-Spock- |
June 15, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Angels & Demons - PG-13 |
Directed By: Ron Howard Starring: Tom Hanks, Ayelet Zurer, Ewan McGregor, Stellan Skarsgård, David Pasquei The Review: I used to hope that this movie would be better than the previous, Da Vinci Code, well, it is better than DaVinci Code, but only a bit. And this review is written by a young man who has read the novel before he watch the movie. One things that I concern about is the screenplay. The screenplay or the plot is absolutely ridiculous. The screenwriter changed the plot from the novel, and for his bravery, he successfully made Angels and Demons became a cliche thriller. He changed the the villain, he changed the one of the victim's result, and so on. The rest of the movie such as Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, and Ron Howard has done well enough. Tom Hanks looks more Langdon now, compared with his appearance in the DaVinci Code, and I will praise Ewan McGregor's performance for he is the best performer here though he failed to speak as the Pope's adopted child (we can see it from his accent). For Ron Howard, even though he failed to make this movie a good one (compared to his previous masterpiece such as Cindrella Man and A Beautiful Mind), but it's an upgrading again, compared to DaVinci's Code. It has decent cinematography which enough to explore the magnificent view of Rome and Vatican, and it also has good score that are able to build the tension. After all, this just another average movie in early summer and I guess we need to wait for another week to see something good enough (like Star Trek). "Our church is at war. We are under attack from an old enemy. The Illuminati. They have struck us from within and threatening us all with destruction from their new god Science."
~Camerlengo Patrick McKenna~ |
June 5, 2009 | N/A | |||
| X-Men Origins - Wolverine - PG-13 |
Directed By: Gavin Hood Starring: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Ryan Reynolds, Danny Houston, Dominic Monaghan, Taylor Kitsch The Review: After spectacular opening from Marvel on 2008 (Ironman, Hulk), now Marvel opened the Summer Movie parade with disappointing X-Men Origins:Wolverine. Compared to Ironman, X-Men Origin or simply known as Wolverine, is nothing. Why? It's because of the effect, the plot, and the Director. First, is the effect. Compared to Marvel's previous movie, both Ironman and Hulk has incredible effect and it is very real and as a result making those movie spectacular (especially Ironman), but this movie's effect successfully made make this movie a pop-corn. The effect is so un-real in some part and it looks very cheap. Those big budget, what are they use it for? Next and the most important things is the plot. To be honest, the plot or the screenplay has potent to be a good one, but it might come to the wrong hand so it created a ridiculous story and unfortunately it missed some link between X-Men Origin and the first X-Men movie, for example the relation between Wolverine and Sabretooth is too complex, and we didn't see that kind of relation in the first X-Men movie. Next, Gavin Hood, the director, who's on earth is he? His reputation is unknown and he is unable to help X-Men to be a good superhero movies again like Bryan Singer did with the first two X-Men movies. He failed to make better movie, instead he make it worse. So, even though Hugh Jackman has given all he can to this movie, he (and some other cast such as Ryan Reynolds and Liev Schreiber) alone cannot help to raise this movie quality. As a conclusion, we can see that X-Men series's quality is obviously decreasing since Bryan Singer left this series. I heard about news, stating that there will be another X-Men Origin, and I hope Marvel Studio pick better screenplay writer and better Director to save this series. "My whole life I felt like an animal. Then she came along."
Logan a.k.a Wolverine |
June 5, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Drag Me to Hell - PG-13 |
Directed by: Sam Raimi Starring: Alison Lohman, David Paymer, Jessica Lucas , Justin Long Review: Amazing, terrifying, scary, and juicy. That's all I can say about this movie. Probably it's the best horror movie of the decade, and it was made by a director who is capable to make a great horror movies, Sam Raimi. Sam Raimi did a wonderful comeback in horror movie, he and his brother Ivan Raimi, successfully made a simple horror script but he use twist and element of surprise that made this movie juicy. Oh, yes, this movie has a simple script and formula of a horror movie, but Sam Raimi knew where should he put the shocking moment in the movie, and it hit the mark. Alison Lohman, probably as one of Hollywood rising star is able to portray a bright yet promising young woman who has been cursed well. What make this movie terrifying is the score. The score is absolutely terrifying, and it mixed well with the movie's situation. And the special effect, it's not special, but it has effect that we can see in most horror movie, again, but, with a good touch, it reached it's main potential and goal: to make people scream, blink, close their eyes or ears, or even jumped out of sit. That's all about Drag Me To Hell. It's kinda proof that Sam Raimi is a good director with quality directing. Two Thumbs Up! If you love to scream, this might be a movie you want. "Soon, it will be you who comes begging to me."
-Sylvia Ganush- |
June 5, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian - PG |
Directed By: Shawn Levy Starring: Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, Robin William, Steve Coogan Review: Truly another sequel that is not as funny as the first one. Quite entertaining for the stressed one, but simply not enjoyable for those who seek movie instead of comedy. Shawn Levy, he didn't add anything new to this sequel, so it's almost the same with the previous movie, a mayhem in the museum. But still, he is able to make something entertaining, and funny. There are few addition to cast, but the main addition is Amy Adams who played well as Amelia Earhart. Maybe she is not Amelia, but she still able to perform as an independent woman in this movie. Ben Stiller? As funny as usual, and so did Owen Wilson and Steve Coogan. Unfortunately we cannot see much of Robin Williams' wise character as much as we can see in the previous one. How about the script? The formula is the same as the previous one, except with a little bit different plot. I guess, that's all about Night At The Museum 2, and it's kinda short review. If you ask about the score and the effect, I'll tell you, it's as decent as usual. "We've been Jim jacked!"
-Amelia Ear |
May 30, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Terminator Salvation - PG-13 |
Directed By: McG Starring: Christian Bale, Moon Bloodgood, Sam Worthington, Bryce Dallas Howard, Helena Bonham Carter. The Review: To be frank, this movie is quite disappointing, clearly decreased on it's quality. Obviously disappoint most of Terminator Series' fan, and for I'm not Terminator's fans, so I consider this movie still acceptable. Talking about movies, simply things that need to be explained here is, the Director, McG; the actors, Bale and Worthington; and the script, and the effect.. First, the Director, McG. I believe that the producer's decision, pointing him as the director wasn't a good decision. After reading his resume, 2 Charlie's Angels movie which can be considered as Pop-Corn, this movie is able to be added to his pop-corn filmography. Yeah, he is good on adding effects, but simply not as good as Michael Bay do when he made movies. Next, the actors. In my opinion, both Christian Bale and Sam Worthington gave solid performance, both of them is able to express their characters well, for example, Bale as John Connor is able to show his doubt on Marcus well. The script should've been better. Basically, the scriptwriter made the script well, but maybe McG ruined the script, who knows? But from the movie, it is visible that the plot is quite predictable but fortunately filled with one small surprise near the end. Next, the effect, is good, but compared to the first Transformer,still not as good as it, but satisfying enough To be honest, this movie's crew had done all they can to retain the glory of this franchise, for example using famous quote like "I'll be back" or "Come with me if want to live", cast a great actor like Christian Bale, ask several experienced writer to make the script, but by having McG as the director, simply ruined the 3rd sequel of the franchise. For the my word, Hey producer, change the director to the good one if you want this franchise alive. "I'll be back."
-John Connor- |
May 29, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Watchmen - R |
Director: Zack Snyder Starring: Malin Åkerman, Billy Crudup, Matt Frewer, Matthew Goode The Review: After months without good movies, Watchmen came to our screen (in Indonesia) as a salvation. Even though some disappointed with this movie, I considered this movie as the best 2009 movie I ever watch (till April '09). The aspect that I want to talk about is it's cinematography, it's plot, and it's director. Watchmen's cinematography is absolutely amazing, why? Because it's has good view, slow motion effect and so on. It can be compared with Robert Rodriguez's Sin City and Zack's previous artwork, 300. It's dark, elegant, and beautiful. The Plot, even though it's very heavy (the heaviest superhero movie I ever watch), it's a very nice one. Dark (again I said), very mature, brutal, and it's very complicated. Not a suitable plot for young ages though, but it's complicated and mature plot gives this movie an identity and power. Zack Synder, definitely a good visionary director, for he is able to make a movie that once considered as unfilmable like this. Without him, this movie will be pop-corn or even just a wind passing by. After all, it's a good superhero movie. If you're bored with Marvel's action movies, this movie is a very good option. "I have walked on the surface of the Sun... witnessed events so tiny and so fast, that they can hardly be said to have occurred at all. But you, Adrian, you're just a man. The world's smartest man poses no more threat to me than does its smartest termite."
~Jon Osterman a.k.a Dr.Manhattan~ |
May 9, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Monsters vs. Aliens - PG |
Directed By: Conrad Vernon, Rob Letterman Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen, Kiefer Sutherland The Review: Don't expect this movie will hit audience like what Kungfu Panda did last year for it's not as funny as Kungfu Panda. After all, DreamWorks still produce a decent and entertaining movie like this, but this movie has nothing memorable and doesn't have any factor that will help this movie win the competition against Pixar. The story isn't memorable because it has strange plot, well, childish though, and it's not as strong as Kungfu Panda's story. Well, still, it's a good entertainment for all age and for those who are attacked by stress and pressure. And I think we know already whose gonna lose in competition between Pixar and DreamWorks. "Derek, You're a selfish jerk, and guess what? I've met someone else. She's limegreen, she has 14 little chunks of pineapple inside of her and she is everything i deserve in life! I'm happy now Derek, without you. It's over! -B.O.B- |
April 11, 2009 | N/A | |||
| One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest - R |
Directed by: Milos Forman Starring: Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Brad Dourif, Christopher Lloyd, Danny DeVito The Review: This movie looks usual,but deep down inside, there's something extraordinary. With a marvelous performance from both Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher and also Milos Forman great directing plus unexpected wonderful ending, this movie simply one og 70's best movie. |
March 16, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Vicky Cristina Barcelona - PG-13 | February 24, 2009 | N/A | ||||
| Slumdog Millionaire - R |
Directed by: Danny Boyle Starring: Dev Patel, Irfan Khan, Anil Kapoor "Jamal Malik is one question away from winning 20 million rupee. How did he do it?" "A. He cheated" "B. He's lucky" "C. He's genius" "D. It is written" The Review: Finally I understand why this movie won lots of award, and certainly this movie gonna win the Academy Award. Right, Danny Boyle created another strong, presumably his strongest movie ever. His directing so far. About the cast, Dev Patel was a definite (and the best) choice for Jamal, some emotion flowed with his performance and for the role Jamal, the emotion develop beautifully. Well, other things that simply amazing is the story, well the screenplay itself, because it has power to encourage people about humanity. The score, was very good, and the cinematography, simply lovable. That's it for the Millionaire, this movie outclassed Benjamin Button on everything. And the Best Picture is..... "When somebody asks me a question, I tell them the answer."
-Jamal Malik- |
February 14, 2009 | N/A | |||
| The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - PG-13 |
Directed By: David Fincher Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton "My name is Benjamin Button, and I was born under unusual circumstances. While everyone else was agin', I was gettin' younger... all alone" The Review: After watching complex Se7en, mind-blowing Fight Club, complicated Zodiac, and now, tear-jerking Benjamin Button. With a great direction from David Fincher, and great acting from both Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, the emotion of each character successfully shown. The story flow amazingly, the score accompanied it well, the cinematography was awesome, nice dialogs (or screenplay), and great effect plus a heart-melting end, this movie has what it takes to compete in Oscar. Not the best of Fincher though but still amazing. "It's a funny thing about comin' home. Looks the same, smells the same, feels the same. You'll realize what's changed is you." -Benjamin Button- "Good night Benjamin." "Good Night Daisy" |
February 8, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Happy-Go-Lucky - R |
Directed by: Scott Derrickson Starring: Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan, Alexis Zegerman, Sylvestra, Stanley Townsend "En-ra-ha! En-ra-ha!" The Review: My first review in about 2 weeks. Well, simply one of the best British of 2008 (I didn't see other British last year though), and one of the best British ever made. The story is very simple but flow, the score is so Europe, the screenplay, simply a good one. The dialog? Fresh from the oven! Most of all, Sally Hawkin's performance which she brought her character alive. Don't forget Eddie Marsan who played as Scott, the driving instructor well. This is one of the movie that refresh the audience with simplicity and joy. Unfortunately, this movie is a little bit hard to understand for some people (especially in my country, Indonesia), well I understand this movie though. "You can't make everyone happy."
-Zoe- "There's no harm in trying that Zoe, is there?" -Poppy- |
January 28, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Schindler's List - R |
Directed by: Steven Spielberg Starring: Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, Caroline Goodall, Embeth Davidtz The Review: A superb movie and possibly the best black and white movie ever made. With a simple but fantastic direction from Steven Spielberg plus a click performance from both Ralph Fiennes and Ben Kingsley along with Liam Nesson (but sadly I couldn't see him as German or Nazi though). Other things that stunned me is the original score and the screenplay or let's say the story itself. If only I haven't seen the Pianist before, I would definitely prasie this movie. What happened in early 40's is more real than what I'd saw in the Pianist. Bravo Spielberg! "Power is when we have every justification to kill, and we don't."
-Oskar Schindler- |
January 18, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Moulin Rouge! - PG-13 |
Directed by: Baz Luhrmann Starring: Ewan McGregor, Nicole Kidman, Jim Broadbent "The show must go on!" The Review: Surprisingly I like this musical, even though Moulin Rouge filled with unique camera shot which will make some of the viewers dizzy but that's one of the good part of the movie (the shot). Nicole Kidman give her best performance while Ewan McGregor did a nice job acting and singing. What I love the most from this movie are it's music, it's final performance and "Come What May". Simply one of the best musical of the decade. "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."
~Christian~ |
January 18, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Madagascar - PG | January 17, 2009 | N/A | ||||
| Yes Man - PG-13 |
Directed By: Peyton Reed Starring: Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper "The era of "yes" has begun." The Review: A good comedy and again came from one of the best comedian in the world, Jim Carrey. Before I blab more, just to remind you, even though this movie received the same star as "Burn After Reading", it doesn't mean that this movie is equal to it. Jim Carrey played once again as a character that fit him so much and I guess it's better than some of his previous character. Zooey, hate to comment on her, she's terrible but quite funny here. This kind of comedy is the type that could be swallowed easily by audience from all over the world, light story, some decent music, and Jim Carrey. Yes? YES! Say it a million times. Say it a million more times, and the word you have said two million times is...
-Terrence Bundley - YES! -Yes People- |
January 17, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Burn After Reading - R |
Directed by: Joel And Ethan Coen Starring: George Clooney, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, Brad Pitt "Osbourne Cox? I thought you might be worried... about the security... of your shit." The Review: A nice satire comedy from the Coen Brother with a great cinematography and nice score. With a bunch of promising actors and actress, this movie surely attract most of the audience (and leave some of them with a big question mark after the movie end). Almost all of the cast worked well. For me the best cast of the movie is Brad Pitt and the worst, probably Tilda Swinton. Sadly, the plot is a little bit complicated and the humor may not be fit with people outside USA. "Put up a note? "Highly classified shit found: Raw intelligence shit, CIA shit?" Hello, anybody lose their secret CIA shit? I don't think so!"
|
January 17, 2009 | N/A |
254 ratings
171 reviews
