PinKiko's Talk

Bride Wars

In the realm of chick flick, this one is a winner.
Of course, the plot is terribly silly (both weddings are planned on the same day and two best friends turn against each other to take over the date) but! It's funny, and contagious, and acted out by two actresses which have terrific on-screen chemistry.

Definitely a film I recommend to all the ladies wanting to see something fun with their gals :)

Slumdog Millionaire

This is a beautifully made movie. I love Danny Boyle's work. The storyline is really good and the young actors are amazing. Jamal is a poor orphaned teenager who wins India's who wants to be a millionaire TV quiz. He is suspected of cheating but the movie reveals how through his young life of situations and experiences he knew the answers. He wasn't concerned about winning the money, just the love of his life Latika. How sweet! The movie has some grim scenes of torture, slums, child begging, etc but it is realistic and not too overwhelming.

Revolutionary Road

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet reunite as the perfect on screen couple but their love is doomed yet again. Set in the 1950s Frank and April seem to have the perfect life - two kids, a nice house - but they have in fact just settled. The passion, excitement and dreams that once attracted them to each other has faded. April is a housewife and unsuccessful actress. Frank hates his job and has an affair with a secretary. Then April convinces them that they need to move to Paris, but Frank is offered a promotion and more money in work. It does not turn out as hoped and indeed the ending is very unexpected. Excellent performances by Leo and Kate. Intense dialogue and scenes. A very disturbed couple who can't live with each other as their lives have become hollow, they do everything they can to hurt each other. Kathy Bates is their friend and realtor. It is strange the last scene does not end on any of the main characters.

Bride Wars

Two bestfriends have planned their weddings their whole lives - June at the Plaza. They both get engaged at the same time and the wedding is double booked. They do everything to sabotage each other's weddings. Very funny.

Vacancy

Very Hitchcock like movie. A couple's car breaks down and they have to stay in a low budget motel. They watch a snuff movie and realise it was filmed in the room they are staying in. They fear for their lives.

Seven Pounds

Brilliant movie. Will Smith is Ben who is wrecked with guilt after surviving a car accident. He sets out to change the lives of seven people. Sad but not devastating.

Nanny McPhee

Colin Firth is Mr Brown who has been recently widowed. Nanny McPhee tries to tame his seven badly behaved children. He is poor and his aunt will withdraw financial support unless he remarries. The children scare off any prospects. A magical tale. A bit like Mary Poppins without the music.

Bedtime Stories

Very sweet and funny movie. Adam has to babysit his niece and nephew. He reads them bedtime stories which come true, so he tries to get them to tell stories that will help him in real life like get the girl and the job he was promised. Full of fun - castles, cowboys, gladiators, aliens and mermaids.

The Life Before Her Eyes

Tons of potential, poorly executed.
Still unsure if I appreciate the ambiguous ending, but one thing is sure: acting needs to be polished.
Captures emotions very well, but tends to drag on.
At times very confusing - and yes, the ending is one of those scenes.

Recommended to those who enjoy the genre.

The House Bunny

Starts off pretty nicely, but then plunges into nothingness.
However, Anna Faris is hilarious and her performance alone should persuade you to rent this.
It remains a chick flick, so you should know what to expect.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Indy sets out on another adventure to rescue his friends from the Russians. The Russians are in search of the Crystal Skull and need Indy to find it to lead them to the legendary city of gold in Peru. Full of action, adventure, wildlife and romance - all that we expect of Indiana Jones. Good plot and cast - Cate Blanchett makes a great villian.

Yes Man

It's good to see Jim Carrey back in a comedy role. At the start of the movie we learn his wife left him and as a result he's become a hermit. He gets talked into going to a 'Yes Man' conference, which empowers him to say 'Yes' to everything, with hilarious consequences.

The Spirit

I might be off, but I didn't like this as much as it was made out to be.
First of all, if you have Sin City in mind once you see this, you will be utterly deceived because this is NO where near Sin City. And 300, well, they pretty much are the same in terms of style and quality.

The highlight of the film remains the visuals, and I'd even go so far as say that I will never get tired of this style.
Acting was pretty good, but it couldn't hide the fact that the story was just plain dull. Beautiful faces yes, but otherwise ----- what is there left?
Of course, the dark humour was greatly appreciated, but ridiculous at times.

Better luck next time.

21

A professor (Kevin Spacey) hand picks Maths students and teaches them to count cards. They hit Vegas to make a fortune. Good plot and cast.

What Happens in Vegas

Jack (Ashton) and Joy (Cameron) meet one night in Vegas. They get married and then Jack wins 3 million dollars on the slots. The judge freezes the money and makes them work at their marriage for 6 months. Very funny movie. Good cast and plot.

When a Stranger Calls

A babysitter is left alone with the kids in a house in a remote location. A stranger calls. Chilling thriller.

Pride and Glory

Great cast. Gritty police action movie about rogue policemen who rob and initimate criminals to line their own pockets. The greed of one brother tears his family apart who have a long history in the police force. This is violent and brutal especially the iron and the bath tub execution scenes. Be warned.

Body of Lies

Leo is a CIA agent with a conscience, on the ground hunting for terrorists in the Middle East. Russell is his boss who works from Washington and monitors the situation by remote satellite. Good intense action thriller. Lots of bombs, gunfire and torture. Not for the faint hearted. Great performances by Leo and Russell. Movie similar to 'Spy Game' in terms of working relationships and terrorist themes.

Quantum of Solace

This movie follows on from Casino Royale with Bond seeking revenge for the death of his love and also for the man who tries to kill M. Whilst on the war path he uncovers a supposedly green company taking over a country's water supply. Full of action as you would expect, but less cars and Bond girls, less violent and no gadgets.

Ghost Town

Funny movie about a dentist who isn't a people person. He has an operation where he dies and is revived. Afterwards he sees dead people and he is obliged to help them with their unfinished business. Good cast.