Detroit Metal City

Outrageously Funny! Half the time I wasn't really laughing 'cos I followed the comic closely and most of the jokes were generated from there..

What I liked -

Gene Simmons - Raised from the depths of retirement to as Jack Il Dark! A true KISS rocker!

Kenichi Matsuyama - Brilliant acting, as usual!




What I didn't like -

Followed comic a little too closely - otherwise its fine!

Suspect X (Japan)

Caught another movie over the weekend.

Suspect X or Yogisha X no Kenshin, is a mystery/thriller piece from Hiroshi Nishitani.

A woman and her child has committed a murder - an abusive man who calls himself the husband and father. Ishigami, a math teacher who lives next door, overhears the commotion and investigates. Helping the mother and daughter cover up while leading the police and a genius physicist (Yukawa) on a wild goose chase.

What I liked -

Shin'ichi Tsutsumi, below (math teacher Ishigami) - thought he was absolutely convincing as a tarnished genius. Pity the crappiness of the story swallowed his otherwise brilliant performance.

What I didn't like -

Inconclusive - this film was messy with many unnecessary scenes. Climbing a himalayan like mountain has nothing to do with the plot!

Draggy - takes a little too long to illustrate certain points.

Literally lost in translation - Characters lack colour and personality (except for Ishigami), a communication breakdown perhaps? Characters were either too evil or too good.

Very Manga like - Certain facial expressions/body language tend to mimic mangas, not much originality. Characters too good looking it is almost not real.

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Conclusion - movie is abrupt and inconclusive, quite a disappointment for a japanese film actually..
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Valkryie (2008)

Valkyrie - Stars Tom Cruise as COL. Stauffenberg, one of the main perpetrators of the July 20 Plot. The plot encompasses a brave few who dared defy Hitler and his fascist sentiments.

I'm not one to consistently dissect a movie and be critical - I watch purely for entertainment. Hence I will rate it by its entertainment value!

Entertaining? Yes.

Things I liked -

Historically accurate - Little or no alteration to historical events ( some Hollywood movies tend to made MAJOR changes to history in their movies) I kinda doubt the eyepatch tho.

Romance given applaudably little airtime - Finally something that doesn't involve and epic orchestral over the hills and far away setting sun smooching followed by credits. Thumbs up!

Cast is kept realistic - People whom are casted look realistically German.

Great Acting - nothing stellar, but engaging enough to create suspense and entertainment. Tom Cruise a great fit to the bill as Stauffenberg although I don't really like him.




Didn't like -

English dialogue - would have been even better if the whole dialogue was in German then it would be more convincing as a plot against Hitler, not a plot against Churchill.

Overly Sympathetic Storyline - Tom Cruise's character was too perfect. Just a personal preference hahaha

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A quick Wiki showed how much Cruise resembles Stauffenberg in real life - eerie, but still adds to the overall effect.

Owl chao!

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Daywatch (Russian)

Owl's Pick of the Month

Thanks to Michael + Shaun, it was nice to break away from the nauseous flurry of Hollywood movies in the cinemas. We rented this at a grand total of $7 - chips and drinks included.

Daywatch is a Russian fantasy thriller with a refreshing storyline. Set in a modern day context with a loose concept of feuding individuals, a bunch of (vampiric? Ancient?) creatures are divided into two factions, Daywatchers and Nightwatchers.

Basically the two factions are always at each other's throats - but even more so now that a legendary Chalk of Life has appeared - that could materialise any wish.

What I liked -

Foreign Language - very refreshing to hear - a learning point about Russian culture as well.

Impressive acting - characters were very impressionable. Actors did a great job especially in the gender exchange scenes.

Great CGI and concept of fantasy - fantasy that's not overboard and very cool! you have to see it to believe it, trust me, my words are not enough!

Refreshing shooting style - It is a very unorthodox filming style - abrupt scene changes might confuse many (me included) but I thought it was refreshing!

What I didn't like -

Nothing much actually - perhaps it can be confusing at times?

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Overall Excellent movie for those who are into LOTR and stuff!

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Swing Girls (Japan)

If you are a music lover like me, this is a must watch. Nevermind the language barrier, let the music speak for itself!

Set in Japan, where a group of high school girls decide to ditch math remedial during the summer holidays to deliver the lunches that the school's brass band forgot. One thing led to another and they find themselves on a musical journey, discovering the roots of Jazz - Swing, but through a long and hilarious way!

What I liked

Engaging storyline - most parts were exaggerated, but to add to the comic effect. It will have you tapping your feet and shaking your bordaye to the music.

Pretty Damn Funny - now this is subjective, some may not appreciate the japanese sense of humour! Pokes fun at certain stereotypes too.

Great Music - features mostly music from the great jazz boom era - early 20th century, as well as some classics like Ray Charles!



Great Gears!!!!! - Only in this movie can you see chicks rocking out Cream's Sunshine of your Love on a Ibanez Iceman and Fender Jazz Bass!!!

Feel Good ending - we're all suckers for it, ain't we?



What I didn't like -

Not enough music - again, another personal preference of mine.. perhaps some blues be included too! haha

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All in all, great music movie, for all ages! Defintely one of my favourites!

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Vicky Cristina Barcelona

What's with Woody Allen and Scarlett Johansson?

Set in Barca, Spain, artsy fart Cristina(Scarlett Johansson), and her stuffy friend Vicky are enjoying their holiday. There they meet broody painter with a serious sex appeal, Juan Antonio(Javier Bardem) who works his mojo on them separately. In a comedy of errors of sorts, his psychotic ex-wife, Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz) comes back to haunt him as well.

What I liked

Satire - it's like a study on arty people, really funny to poke fun at their self exaggerated dishevelled lifestyles and dramatic personalities.

Acting - Penelope Cruz really shines as a psycho!

Setting - Barcelona is romantic.. beautiful countryside and small towns.. Great spanish music as well!

What I disliked -

Draggy after awhile - some parts get really long and unnecessary.

S. Johansson - not that I didn't like her - it's just she's over-used to the point where the character Cristina doesn't seem as real anymore.

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Entertaining piece, but not enough to warrant me another view.

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Star Wars - The Clone Wars

Honestly.. a disappointing piece! Perhaps George Lucas has deigned to a level where money-making overrides dignity.

For kids yes, great movie, but its an insult to a Star Wars fan like me!