IMPEDIUS

Just got back from watching WALL•E and i must say i had an amazing time. Another extremely fine job by PIXAR on making a new animated movie. Once again, I am completely impressed by PIXAR’s latest installment. What makes WALL•E so special? The story and how its told. A romance story about how a lonely robot by the name of WALL•E tries to win the heart of Eve, a robot way above his class. WALL•E’s love for Eve takes him from earth all the way to deep space. And when I say ‘win the heart’, I do mean as in robots in this movie has a heart of their own or shall i say human like personality. The most unique part of all, the story is told with little amount of dialog. A lot of facial expression, body movement and various actions are involved to explain how do the robots communicate and how they feel. Trust me when i say that you’ll end up smiling, being sad, laughing, etc watching WALL•E, Eve and the other robots in action. An experience that i cannot describe any further as the next step is for you peeps to watch it. So if you haven’t, go to the cinema and watch WALL•E try to win Eve’s heart coz the movie already won mine and many other people’s hearts as one of the best movies shown this year. WALL•EEEEEEEEEEE!!!

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impedius WALL•E post

Sequel to Batman Begins is not only better than the first one but one of the highest rated movie in my list. What I like about this batman sequel is the fact how dark and realistic the story of the comic book hero is portrayed. Not only that, i believe there is always a part of the movie that someone can relate to. Director Christopher Nolan i salute you. Since The Prestige, you never stopped wowing me. Nuff said, i simply love the action, effects and the story of The Dark Knight big time. Christian Bale(The Prestige, Batman Begins), once again excellent job as Batman and Bruce Wayne. But the real star of the show… the belated Heath Ledger(Casanova, Lords Of Dogtown). Or shall i say the villain of the movie aka The Joker. Heath Ledger is and always be much missed in the movie world and for one very good reason. Simply an amazing actor. The Joker is his best ever work. Heck, The Joker is the best ever villain I’ve ever seen on screen after such a long time. He strikes fear to the good guys, the bad guys and even the audience! Plus, killer dark jokes and that catchy quote… “Why so serious?” You just have to watch the movie to know what i mean. I guarantee you’ll be glued to the screen from the beginning to the end. A 5 out 5 stars from me without a doubt. Are you still reading this post??? Go and watch it now! “Lets put a smile on that face!”

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The Dark Knight

HULK SMASH! This movie is simply about a scientist by the name of Bruce Banner who once angry, can turn into a monstrous green creature called Hulk that pretty much destroys anything in its path. Why many will watch this movie to see Hulk in action, the most important part of The Incredible Hulk story is Bruce Banner’s struggle to get it out of his system for good. It has always been about the struggle since the first release of The Incredible Hulk from the comic book. For that, I salute Edward Norton(The Illusionist, The Italian Job) because he truly portrayed Bruce Banner as how the character should be. I thought Liv Tyler(The Strangers, Lord Of The Rings) also did a very good job as Betty Ross, Bruce Banner’s love interest who happens to be the one person that can somehow control the Hulk. As for the green guy himself, I love his action scenes in this movie but I gotta admit I prefer Ang Lee’s version of the Hulk from the previous Hulk movie which starred Eric Bana. Somewhat a sequel and not at the same time, The Incredible Hulk’s storyline took place after the previous movie but the whole cast and production crew has been revamped. This didn’t really matter because I think The Incredible Hulk is a better movie in its own right and truly a must watch for 2008. Two thumbs up! Oh, watch out for appearances by Stan Lee(founder of Marvel Comics), Lou Ferrigno(the original Hulk actor) and Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark aka Iron Man.

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The Incredible Hulk

After watching 27 Dresses that turned out to be below expectations, I wasn’t really keen about watching romantic comedies. Or should i say not having high hopes. Nevertheless, i suck it up and gave Made Of Honor a shot. The movie turned out to be just as exciting as the trailer and more. Patrick Dempsey(Enchanted, tv series Greys Anatomy) and Michelle Monaghan(Eagle Eye, Mission Impossilble 3) were great! The duo simply gave a stellar performance that keeps the audience glued to the screen. Both acted as best friends who never knew how deeply in love they are until its almost too late. It was Tom(Patrick Dempsey) who discovered his feelings first and went through all sorts of painstaking situations to win the heart of Hannah(Michelle Monaghan). From his hometown in New York to an unfamiliar place in Scotland, he must win her heart before Hannah ends up marrying another guy. Typical storyline? Yes, but very well told in a refreshing way with a good dose of comedy and heart-warming romantic feel. This is one movie I highly recommend to couples and fans of romantic comedy. Its simply Made To Watch!

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Made Of Honor

Finally after much waiting, I get to watch M. Night Shyamalan’s latest masterpiece. Before that, I read bad reviews, listened to disappointed M. Night Shyamalan fans and warned about the ending. I ended up watching the movie with a lower expectation. I’m glad I did. To simply put it, the movie about how a growing number of people that just mysteriously died at certain cities and towns in the United States was really good until spoiled by the ending. First thing first, Mark Wahlberg did a great job as the lead role. He acts as Elliot Moore, a guy on the run with his wife and a friend’s daughter from a somewhat mysterious plague thats spreading in the country. The build up of the movie was very good. The more you watch, the more you’ll discover what the plague could be all about. The more you’ll be in shock and suspense as well when you’ll see how those who are affected by the plague dies. Speaking of death, some scenes where you’ll see how people die in this movie are disturbing. This is M. Night Shyamalan’s first R-rated movie and I’m surprised none of the R-rated scenes were deleted despite the U rating given. Not that I mind because I think the R-rated scenes were required to give more depth to the movie. My concern is more to the young kids who end up watching this movie. Hmm… Anyway, the build up of the movie was spoiled by the ending. Slap me you if you want to but i believe it is very important to tell you people something about the end. At the end, you’ll never really know for sure how the plague happened and what it is to begin with. This is so unlike the previous M. Night Shyamalan movies where after all the twists, he’ll eventually present an ending that uncovers what the mystery is all about. Instead, you’ll be left hanging at the end of The Happening. Weird enough is for you to read my next sentence. It was a ‘happy but bad’ ending. Watch it and you’ll know what i mean. Although I’ll only recommend you to watch it on dvd instead of the cinema. One thing is for sure, The Mist which had an ‘unhappy but good ending’ instead is better than The Happening. Mr. Night, you could have done better.

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The Happening

The second big budget hollywood kung fu movie this year. The first was Forbidden Kingdom, which i thought was good but not good enough despite having Jet Li and Jackie Chan as the main cast. Done in animation, Kung Fu Panda proved to be far more enjoyable than Forbidden Kingdom. It has a simple storyline about a panda named Po and his journey to become a kung fu master. Though the story might sound simple, it proved to be entertaining and strongly portrayed a moral to be learned about not giving up and believing in yourself to achieve your dreams. Other than that, the movie shows AWESOMENESS in terms of action, comedy and killer animation. And that all star cast… Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Ian McShane, Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, Seth Rogen, David Cross, Jackie Chan… Need I say more? Their voices were just so well collaborated with the animation of the movie providing so much depth to the characters. I must say again the action scenes are AWESOME. The kung fu moves were very well done and because its in animation, you can’t help the itchy feeling to play the video game if you’re a gamer. AWESOME action comes with AWESOME comedy. Simply a must especially with the man himself Jack Black in the movie. Theres always something for everyone to laugh out loud about. I love Panda and Mantis when it comes to the laugh out loud part. Last but not least, AWESOME animation. Simply brilliant. I believe this is DreamWorks Animation best work since Bee Movie. All in all, this is the best animation movie I’ve seen since Ratatouille. For that, Kung Fu Panda deserves a full 5 stars from me. The movie is flawless. Did I mention how AWESOME it is?

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Kung Fu Panda

Speed Racer

This movie adaptation of the tv anime series is full of bedazzling colors, special effects and of course high speed racing action. Its directed and written by the Infamous Wachowski brothers who are best known for The Matrix movies. Unlike The Matrix, Speed Racer is a more family oriented movie. So if you’re not the ‘family movie’ person, then this movie is probably not for you. Emile Hirsch(The Girl Next Door, Lords Of Dogtown, Into The Wild) and Christinna Ricci(Addams Family, monster, Penelope) are among the all star cast of this movie along side Matthew Fox(Vantage Point, tv series Lost). Asian females in particular would most likely wanna check out the movie because international Korean superstar Rain is in it too. Overall i think the movie is good. Though I just can’t help feeling the movie is a little empty and draggy. Don’t get me wrong. The special effects, action and acting is well done but I know it can be better especially coming from the Wachowski brothers. But i salute the brothers for what i consider a really good effort in reviving the tv anime series back to life. Plus the color concept used in this movie is pretty amazing. Speed Racer won’t be one of the best movie out there this year but is still worth a watch.

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Speed Racer

The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian

One of the highly anticipated sequels of the year, the 2nd installment of The Chronicles Of Narnia brings back the Pevensie siblings who are the original heroes from the first movie to the world of Narnia. This time they find themselves far in the future since they last left Narnia and everything is not what it seems to be. Narnia is now ruled under an evil King Miraz. Defeating the king would require once again the creatures of Narnia to join forces with the Pevensie siblings. They would also need the help of Prince Caspian, a runaway prince and true heir to the kingdom under King Miraz. New and old creatures appear in this movie with the most interesting one is a heroic mouse called Reepicheep. Believe it or not, Prince Caspian acted by newcomer Ben Barnes may be the highlight of the movie but its Reepicheep that stole the show. The mouse provided the most entertainment in the movie. Other than that, this family movie sequel now has a darker feel to the storyline and action, which draws in a more adult crowd. A little slow in the beginning but overall, The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian is definitely a good watch for family and fantasy adventure fans.

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The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Finally the movie is showing in cinemas around the world and there is an aura of expectation that the movie would turn out great. Especially to fans of the first three movies, which includes myself. Time to wear the Indy hat and crack a whip in my quick review of this new movie of the classic series.

Good points

• Harrison Ford with Shia Labeouf at his side shines in this movie. Harrison is brilliant as the legendary Indiana Jones. The 65 year old still looks great and did a fantastic job! Shia Labeouf acts as Indy’s new sidekick and showed audiences that he can be just as adventurous, cunning and smart as the legend himself. I had a joy watching them both.
• Look out for a few surprises from the past movies that will definitely add more impact to the movie.
• Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull is the 4th Indiana Jones movie and as expected, it will thrill you with all new action scenes, big laughter and an engaging storyline just like the previous ones did. The setting is now in the amazon jungle as you’ll witness some very intense and fun action packed scenes.
• In this movie, you’ll finally get to see a new chapter in Indiana Jones life as he starts looking forward to issues about having a family and a possible replacement? Won’t spoil anything here as you’ll have to figure it out by watching the movie.

Bad points

• The movie is not as epic as the previous movies. Maybe because of the location. Almost the whole adventure is in South America so it didn’t felt like it was a very big adventure. The adventures in previous movies involved at least two continents.
• For some reason at certain parts of the movie, it felt a little draggy. Maybe because I’m used to the ‘Indiana Jones formula’.
• Some might find the story a little corny as it progress through the later half of the movie.

Conclusion

I believe director Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford with the rest of the actors and crew did a good job bringing back Indiana Jones back to life with this brand new adventure. Everything is pretty good but setbacks mentioned in the bad points section makes it enjoyable but not as great as the previous movies. I think most people will give it 3 stars out of 5. I’ll still give it 4 stars though, simply because I’m a big fan of Indiana Jones. -

TV Spot #4

what others say:

“… hand it to Mr. Ford for this, a great film jam pack with Action, Comedy, Drama and Effects in Classic mode. I’ve never seen this type of movie in a while. A great entertaining movie and worth to watch. Nothing could go wrong with the tag team of Spielberg and Lucas…[read more] - 1/2” - George from JoJ Punya

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Indiana Jones and The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull

Sometimes you got to run before you can walk. Thats right peeps, sometimes you just gotta take a risk. I admit before watching the movie, I was a little worried that the movie might turn out not as great as it should be. Boy, did my worries went away. Heres my quick review.

Good points

• Robert Downey Jr. is Tony Stark aka Iron Man! He did a fantastic job living up to the character. Tony Stark is simply not your typical superhero. We’re talking about a superhero with powers coming from his Iron Man suit and not from his body. At the same time, he is someone you can relate to. I found myself loving the Tony Stark character in the movie and can’t help cheering for him, feeling his pain and laugh at his funny moments.
• Besides Robert Downey Jr., the other actors like Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow also gave a memorable performance. Oh, and not to forget the robots in Tony Stark’s garage workshop. They’re entertaining to watch!
• Full of scenes with good action and suspense plus a nice dose of comedy.
• The Iron Man suit is a sight to behold. With Tony Stark wearing it, you get to see his high-flying capabilities, amazing strength and cool weapon arsenal that makes you just wanting to see him in action all the time.

Bad points

• I wanted more! I am all hungry now for a sequel.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, Iron Man is a must watch! Another comic superhero that became a successful movie franchise. The movie rocks and I have no regrets watching! If you haven’t, please do so! -

Run Before You Can Walk - spoiler alert

fun facts:

Check out cameo appearances by director Jon Favreau and also the father of Marvel Comics, Stan Lee. Plus, Robert Downey Jr. will appear as Tony Stark in the upcoming The Incredible Hulk movie.

what others say:

“It was AWESOME!!! I kinda had the same impact when I watched Transformers. You gotta watch! Its worth your time!! Love it! :)!! I like the feeling of being awed by movies like this. Being in the second row of seats from the movie screen did not bother me much as it was that good. And funny at times too! - 1/2” - Amie from reality bytes

“This is a MUST watch movie. I like the Iron Man’s concept on scientific and technological advancement…[read more] - 1/2” - Joanna from The Vicarious Angel

“You can see Robert Downey Jr.’s full effort on his character Tony Stark. Great action & explosive effects! Lots of super cars.. Great humor makes it fun to watch. Another milestone for Marvel movies. - ” - George from JoJ Punya

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Iron Man

Just got back from watching Forbidden Kingdom. It was enjoyable. As expected, there was kung fu action galore and comedy thrown in together. I think everyone who was in the packed cinema with me thought it was good. But just how good is good? Heres my review.

Story

Jason is a boy who is obsessed with the martial arts of kung fu. Everything he knows about kung fu is from watching classic kung fu movies. One day in a chinese pawn shop, he stumbles upon an ancient staff which happens to belong to the legendary Monkey King. One thing led to another and the staff somehow transported Jason to ancient china. There he met a drunken master by the name of Lu Yan. Lu Yan explains to him how he must take upon a quest to return the staff to the Monkey King in order to bring back the turned to statue legend to life, defeat an evil Jade Warlord and only then he will be able to find a way to go back home. Alone he will not be as he will be accompanied by a skillful Silent Monk, a vengeance-bent Golden Sparrow and of course Lu Yan himself. And so begins a journey to find the Monkey King in which Jason learns what kung fu is truly about and how it will change him for the better.

Cast & Crew

Jackie Chan and Jet Li does not require any introduction as they are simply legendary martial art actors that are known to most people by now. Gotta admire their acting in this movie as they played double roles! Won’t spoil anything here as you’ll have to watch the movie to figure out their double roles. Another great martial arts actor is Collin Chou who acts as the Jade Warlord. Remember him as Seth in the Matrix Reloaded? Speaking of Matrix, the action choreographer for Matrix is the infamous Wu Bing. Yup you guessed it. He is the action choreographer for Forbidden Kingdom too. New to acting in a kung fu movie is Michael Angarano. you’ve probably seen him in movies like Sky High and Lords Of Dogtown. He acts as Jason alongside another young actor Crystal Liu Yi Fei. Crystal is a newcomer from China who acts as The Golden Sparrow. Here is the most interesting part about this section of the review. Director Rob Minkoff is best known for his work on children movies like Lion King and Stuart Little. Wow! Respect for him to pull off a martial arts action movie.

Good Points

What can i say? Its truly about Jackie Chan and Jet Li in the same movie. As expected, you get to see them square it off against each other. Really cool classic kung fu action going on there. There are some really funny moments from those two as well. The other main highlight of the movie is of course the action. Good kung fu action going on from unarmed to weapon fighting. Wu Bing did a great job as usual.

Bad Points

Forbidden Kingdom is good in both action and story but it still doesn’t put it on the map as ‘great’. Despite how good the action is, there were only very few ‘wow’ moments especially to those who has seen at least a few good martial arts action movie. The story wasn’t bad but quite predictable. No real twist, simply predictable. In other words, there are no real moments that will put you on the edge of your seat.

Conclusion

All around its a good popcorn movie and fun to watch. It wasn’t great for me but i reckon it will be to those who are still new to kung fu and chinese culture. This movie is a good introduction to those. I’ll recommend anybody to watch but I do know this, I won’t watch it twice unless its on tv. -

spoiler clip - respect your teachers

other reviews:

“err… It should’ve been better. I don’t really like the ‘accidental death’ of the bad guy. Ah well, but i like the white hair chick though. ” - Amie from reality bytes

“predictable, bad script, bad english, weak story… very very predictable. only jackie n jet li saved the day… but overall not up to standard at all. ” - Julian from Im Julian

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Forbidden Kingdom