Monday, December 22, 2008

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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Thursday, October 2, 2008

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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Sunday, August 31, 2008

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!