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eldakim
Reviews
4: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
Quite Entertaining and Surprisingly Delightful Fun
I never saw the comic books of Fantastic Four nor watched the first film, but I was coerced by my friends to watch this one. And I have to say, I was quite pleased by it.
OK, I'll admit though. I was one of those 17-18 year olds who went just for Jessica Alba and her glory, but it turns out I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Sure, there were cheesy dialogue here and there, but it's a comic book movie. Acting was decently done and the plot and story was sustaining throughout. There were many times when I could get a laugh or chuckle here and there.
So all in all, I believe I did get my money's worth of entertainment. Of course this movie isn't an Oscar winner, but it had its moments as a fun film.
Gladiator (2000)
The true definition of being a man
This is by far one of the greatest movies I have ever seen. It actually inspired me to be something greater. I felt the need to achieve and become what truly defines a man. Maximus is seriously one of my favorite characters in movie history because he's fascinating and interesting to know about. He is also, once again, what stands as a true definition of a man. A man has to be responsible and patient, and this man just does that. If I have to pick a single most influential person besides Jesus, I'd still go with Maximus. What he did in the movie was truly outstanding and I wish that he was an actual person in history. The death of his family gave him a small moment of despair, but he took it all in, including the loss of his rank and his status now as a "slave." As Maximus gradually progresses as a gladiator in the movie, he just becomes more and more bad ass, being the true hero of the entire movie. He never flinches in pain, but stands up, all the way to the end. The faithfulness he builds in his two friends is awe-inspiring, and their willing to take consequences for his survival is what represents strong friendship. Maximus is by heart THE man. Gladiator is one of the most inspirational movies I saw, and there are no others like it.
The movie itself was purely genius. Although it's a pretty simple story about revenge, it has interesting side stories and build ups of characters. The performance as Maximus by Crowe was electrifying. He pounds in every good quotes in the movie in the most awesome ways. Phoenix as Commodus was also notable. I truly hated this character because I saw him as a coward and the true villain of movies. He is just so evil and so cold, even his expressions and appearances define that. Phoenix was just so great as this character, and no others would have been able to land such a villainous role. Other notable characters were Djimon Honsou as the gladiator friend as well as the many others that Crowe's Maximus encountered. Connie Nielsen was also great as Lucilla, who was interesting in that she didn't have a like mind as Commodus. I felt the passion she had for Maximus and the statement she makes about Maximus in the end. I think Oliver Reed as Proximo was a great character that I can easily compare as the teacher. He brought up Maximus's true strength and trained him to become a defined warrior. At first impression, he seemed like a cold blooded man, but the last scene of him with Maximus proved of how caring he is for Maximus and for his sake. Overall, the actors and actresses did an outstanding job playing their parts.
The score and the effects were just beautiful. The battle songs were just so inspirational and I found myself listening to it for a boost of strength. The special effects and movie quality was so rich and brilliant, with some of the best actions available.
Overall, I think Ridley Scott did a great job in making this film. This movie will simply be placed in my list of best movies in all time.
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
Merely a Disappointment....
First off, I'd like to mention that X-men was my favorite comic book from Marvel, and I grew up watching the TV cartoons and the comic books. Although I'm not a "dedicated" fan, I can easily say that X-men was something that was part of me when I grew up. X-men, Spiderman, and Batman.
This movie, I have to admit, let a tremendous disappointment to those who followed the comic book. Killing off such vital characters in the mere beginning made me tinge, because these characters were the huge backbone of the X-men. The story was definitely offplace, and characters least understood. Juggernaut was not how I thought he'd look, as well as the other characters in the film.
The movie itself was still outstanding, however. It did provide action buffs with tons of explosions and CG effects, as well as an awesome finale against Magneto's forces and Xavier's X-men. It also did leave some trail of X-2 feelings behind, almost with the same feel.
As a movie, it was an OK performance, but as a X-men fan, this was a disappointment.
Meet the Fockers (2004)
Crude and Nasty Jokes
I loved Meet the Parents. That will always be placed in my top 10 favorite comedy movies, ever. The reason why that movie is placed as one of my favorite comedy films of all time is that the jokes are so simple and so easily understood, it was enjoyable, even for the family. I've watched the movie many times and never put it down since. I believe Meet the Parents was where I first believe Ben Stiller to be my favorite comedy actor. From there, I've seen dozens of outstanding movies by him, particularly Zoolander. And here came Meet the Fockers, the supposed sequel of the delightful, mild comedy of Meet the Parents. That had to end right there.
Meet the Fockers was beyond the simplistic jokes of Meet the Parents. Sure, it did have an outstanding cast, including Barbara Streisand and Dustin Hoffman as an addition to the original cast, but the jokes were just too much, that it didn't feel like a Meet the Parents-like movie anymore. The jokes were mostly sexual and crude, and were meant for one laugh rather than most. Making some of the most ridiculous jokes ever, I couldn't bear watching the movie. The progress of the film was also cliché. It was the same exact thing as Meet the Parents, but with a new height in its jokes. Overall, it wasn't a satisfying movie and I was disappointed at how Meet the Parents was so different from Meet the Fockers.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
A Little Overrated?
OK, I'm not trolling this movie, but I sure did feel that this movie was horrible in my own personal opinion. Sure, it did have some wonderful aspects and unique stances in its own ways, but all in all, not my kind of movie.
This is supposedly a homage to Japanese action movies, which I seriously dislike (again, just my opinion). I have seen some Japanese action movies, which was all just violence, blood, screams with an entirely peculiar story. I'm not trying to be racist here, but I do feel that Japanese movies lack a sense of dramaticism or storyline that actually makes someone think. Rather, it's just endless bloodshed with a story that's out of the line. Well, Quentin Tarantino (one of my least favorite directors) is paying homage to that. Not so much to pay homage to.
I saw this movie through the DVD. I've seen the rave reviews it received and even trusted Ebert and Roeper's review, and I decided to see what all the craze was about. Once I pop it in, it begins with a noirish sense of black and white mood. As the film progresses, it combines Japanese anime and real filming, which I thought was pretty interesting and amazing at the same time. It was though-provoking and very classy, and I enjoyed that part. But then, it just got into endless violence and fake blood actions. One by one, Uma Thurman hacks away at the bad guys and they lose their limbs and body parts, screaming in the most comedic ways. Instead of feeling a sense of sadness for those who died, I actually laughed and pointed at the baddies. Story was pretty simple. It was just a story about a woman who wants revenge against those who betrayed her, in which she made an enemy's list. She goes on a rampage, slicing anyone in her path.
I kid you not, Uma Thurman surprisingly freaked me out when she played "The Bride." Who in the right mind would want to meet a woman who can slice you up in any second? She was clever and skilled, and she practically killed anyone in her way, even innocent bystanders. I actually felt scared by the seriousness of her character and was frightened by the actress herself. Very well in acting, I have to admit. All were professionally done.
Alright, the only parts in the movie that actually got my nerve was the simple corniness of the film. The bad-guys were honestly horrible actors and they just screamed in the most funniest ways. The cartoony feel was purposely made by QT in order to make it feel as if it was a comic book, but I didn't feel that premise going on. Instead I felt a movie with just the cheesiest amount of blood ever. I was obviously disgusted at how much this movie showed blood. It was simply a gorefest rather than a movie itself.
I believed this film did have its awesome moments, but all in all, it was just average, and I couldn't see the reason why it was so raved about. But once again, all in all, that's my opinion, not yours.
The Omen (1976)
Terrifying even to this very date
The Omen. I have seen this whole movie on TV one weekend and expected it to be a non-scary outdated horror movie. i guess I was wrong. The story itself is basically about the anti-Christ and his birth. This film had an awesome cast, including Gregory Peck. I didn't really expect him to be in such a scary film.
The movie's entire mood is dark and the oldness of the movie actually helps. No, it is not cheesy like all the other horror movies out in the theaters these days. Rather than showing disgusting images and chase scenes of one monster like all the modern horror movies, this one leaves you disturbed and terrified at the most. I felt so disturbed by this movie, I couldn't sleep for a day. The plot of this movie and the horrid idea that Peck's son is indeed anti-Christ himself just leaves you gripping and horrified. The clues and the disturbing presence just builds up and supernatural occurrences just scare the hell out of you. I felt goosebumps watching this movie. This movie indeed tops as the scariest movie I have ever seen.
Taegukgi hwinalrimyeo (2004)
My Review
I've only seen this film once, and I intend to make it that way. This part of my ethnic country's history was one of the most painful, and everything it depicted nearly broke me to pieces after I was finished watching it.
Anyways, good film. It showed how Korean films are improving. Story was not too shabby and acting was purely brilliant. Jang dong gun obviously steals the charisma and power as the brother and Won Bin dominates his own character as well. That girl was pretty good playing the "about-to-be-married" wife of Jang Dong Gun (Sadly the actress committed suicide. God rest her soul in peace"). The movie in its entirety was a decent war film in my standards. The mood and the environment captures the moments. Not only did it show the emotional family connections during the Korean war, but it also showed the conditions and horrible consequences of this war. Dead bodies in the street and ruined cities are just a way to give a little helping. I don't know what this film was intended to do, but either I hated the Communists or the South Korean government after watching this film.
HERE IS THE BAD
Now this IS a decent war film, which means it wasn't bad and it wasn't great. I won't go off saying how it was almost so similar to Saving Private Ryan. The style itself is all the same, not the story. The first bad thing I've noticed was the progression of the film. I absolutely HATED how the director just skipped scenes like they were nothing. There would be a quiet scene where Jang Dong Gun talks with his brother and all of a sudden, you hear a loud bang and it immediately cuts scene to the battles. He did that every time, and I was just horrified at the effects. The scenes just kept skipping past, leaving the audience in a state of confusion. The battle sequences were long. I'll have to say, I love war movies BECAUSE of the battles and violence, but this was just too much. There were so many random battles that took place. Like the average amount of battle scenes I've seen in war movies were 3. This one had like 16. I got sick of all the battle sequences it had. Random battles, and it just leaves the audience in the dust. Another bad I've seen which most other war films had, but this overdid it: the main character is the invincible, godly warrior who has laser for eyes and hack like he's in CS. He literally saves the battle from going wrong. While others are dying while hiding and struggling to move forward, the main character becomes the Rambo and with a gun in hand, nearly kills 100 people while charging at them, yet he doesn't get shot. There it is. That's just ridiculous right there. People may say, sure, it's pretty boring to watch someone just duck, cover, and shoot, but it's also pretty dumb watching the main character take on 100 enemy soldiers and winning without getting a scratch. If this movie wants to show how war actually was, then SHOW it, not make some superhero who can never die. That part literally made me mad. No, I don't believe the brother can be THAT smart and sharp and kill all those people. He grew up as a civilian, not as a inborn warrior. Hell, he's better than the sergeant who leads the group. In the end, he takes on like every South Korean soldier and when he turns away against the North, he just kills like hundreds of them with one machine gun. NO. Please, that did NOT happen and one guy can never be that good.
So, I'd say Taegukgi was decent. Make it accurate as you said it was, then it'd be OK.
Tusabu ilche (2006)
So-So
I've never seen the original, but I have seen this sequel, which I have to say, was an average, mediocre film. All actors and actresses made a great performance. Story and element was unique. What really did affect my grading of this movie was based on what most Korean movies had. I'm Korean and I've seen numerous amounts of Korean movies, but none did ever have a great ending. They always ended in the weirdest way possible. Some of their endings were just crude and off, which ruins the entire movie itself. This movie still did have a near satisfying ending. But I'd have to say that the progression of the film was just either TOO slow or TOO unnecessary. I'd say that there were some crude, funny jokes added in scenes, but the story itself went by too slowly. I almost dozed off just watching the entire film. The ending just builds up its height due to some surprising, shocking moment. Besides that, the film was notoriously INACTIVE, as how I would have felt.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Absolutely stunning
I grew up reading the Narnia books since second grade. I've remembered my teachers reading to me "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." I'll have to admit, that book was pretty darn good, and I ended up reading most from the series except for book 1. Now this movie came along for the winter, probably the nicest treat a child can get.
Narnia was simply a classical tale full of knights, magic, and animals. Hell, it was almost ALMOST like the kid's version of Lord of the Rings. (I mean, the two authors were good friends) This movie had everything coming as expected, unlike how other movies are these days. I don't understand, all the kid's flick these days include some of the most awful films ever. Now here was a classic tale that a kid would enjoy, despite his age and size.
I was actually amazed at how much I underrated this film. The actors and actresses all pounded their roles, but I have to admit, Tilda Swanton as the White Witch stole it all. She was amazing as the White Witch. Changing faces from that kind, generous queen to that cruel, arrogant witch made me realize how much of a powerful actress she was. Maybe it was all that makeup she probably had, but the White Witch clearly depicted the villain I had expected her to be. Liam Neeson's powerful voice also matched that of how I would imagine Aslan would be. The clear beauty of the landscape and the epic battle that takes place in a wide terrain made Narnia ever so beautiful and bold. The simple children's story that I held and read came vividly and alive. The special effects had it all, as well.
I have to admit, Narnia was one of the best kid's movie I have seen in years. Convincing performances, stylish landscapes, and the beautiful dialogue made this film the most classical experience I have ever felt.
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001)
Final Fantasy? I think not...
Hmm, average movie. I've watched this movie in theaters and expected it to be a lot like the games. I have played Final Fantasy and grew up with people who loved Squaresoft for every games they made. At the time this movie was released, I was really into Final Fantasy, but only 9. I haven't played any other Final Fantasies but I intend to, just busy stuff in the way.
Anyways, I was hyped up at this movie, as did many other Final Fantasy fans. A movie that was going to be based on the best game series ever. That would be fantastic. I watch the previews and the only reaction I had was "eh?" Is this Final Fantasy or anywhere NEAR what is usually is? Absolutely not.
Final Fantasy are usually games full of magic, sword, fantasy-like world, and beauty in its landscape and its colorful and most descriptive/addictive storyline. I have to admit, Squaresoft are pretty darn good storytellers. But this movie is first revolved around futuristic Earth, which in no Final Fantasies appeared to even exist. It's like Aliens or any other sci-fi flicks but 3D. Ahh, the powerful touch Squaresoft has. This was the time when such advancement into the 3d world was appearing before eyes. Squaresoft;however, awed everyone in its beautiful styles implaced in every details. It's almost so beautiful and art-like. But this game wasn't art-like. Sure it was like watching a full cinematic movie, but it didn't have that touch and feel that the Final Fantasy games were known for. Don't get mad at me, dear FF fanatics, but I truly TRULY enjoyed Final Fantasy 9 and I was enraptured and bound by both its beauty in music and art. I absolutely loved Final Fantasy not because of its awesome RPG gameplay, but because of the beauty and the power that Squaresoft has on you as they almost sing to you the magnificent story. THIS "Final Fantasy" was merely an action-packed movie about some marines fighting off some creatures known as "souls." Yes, Squaresoft had to include that bit of piece to make sure that element of lore and fantasy-like feel didn't disappoint Square fans. But I'm sorry Squaresoft, but it did. I didn't give a clue who on what these so called aliens were. They were of no aspect NEAR how a Final Fantasy game's enemy is presented.
Truly I don't see how this is anywhere near a Final Fantasy, as it is just some sci-fi movie about futuristic humans fending against aliens of some sorts. Sure, it did keep me entertained, but the story and the feel didn't surprise me. I've seen many sci-fi flicks, and that's all it was. The same old story about humans in the future fighting against aliens that they don't know about. I kid you not, this is not even near a "FANTASY" genre. More of a sci-fi flick. Nice try anyways, Squaresoft.
Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996)
Horrendous
I don't understand the humor in this film. I also found it offensive on how Koreans were depicted in that film, despite how it is actually just a caricature of Koreans in those areas. First, the actors are Japanese, and they make the most rude expressions of Koreans in that film. It disgusts me on how these people are expressed. I felt anger just watching that one scene, and how they were so badly made out in the film. The humor lasts just for one laugh, and then you don't understand why it's even funny. It's crude humor with the most disgusting representation of society there. I found it to be an offensive film overall... Maybe it was just because I never lived in the "hood" or saw any "hood" movies, but I don't intend to either.
The Princess Bride (1987)
My favorite of all time
I can consider this to either be ONE of my favorite OR my FAVORITE movie of all time. I first heard of this movie because my brother had to do a project playing the part of Indigo Montoya. I used to remember him reciting the verse," My name is Indigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die." When my brother bought this movie from Savon Drugs, I had the chance to watch the movie with him. Boy, it was seriously the only movie that made me laugh hard. I would say my favorite character was Cary Elwes' Wesley. His charm and smart wit made him such an admirable character. His character is one my favorite movie heroes of all time. Indigo Montoya and his giant friend were a comedic duo. Their actions and performances were cute and ,at the same time, hilarious. Performances were great, and had the touch of charm to children. I watched this when I was 8 years old, and I found myself watching this movie over and over again on TV and on VHS. It's an instant charm to children and adult alike. I was also happy that Fred Savage, I think that was his name, was in the movie as the little boy. I always liked him, after watching him in Wonder Years. This movie should always be placed in the best children classics of all time. I don't really know the movie's or book's aim, ( I think it was a parody to classic fairy tales), but the director sure did make this movie as good as it can get. I'm expecting myself to get the DVD soon.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1993)
I lived for this when I was a kid
This show came out when i was just 5 or 6 years old. I watched it in Korea when I lived there before and boy, it was the first and only show that attracted my attention. I remember it was called MooJok Power Rangers. When I had to move to the States, I cried because I thought they weren't gonna have it in America. When I watched Power Rangers in America, I LIVED for it. I remember the times when I wore my underwear only and started dancing in front of the TV. Red ranger was my favorite and was the reason why I liked the color red ever since. I had such fond memories of this show. I remember getting the robot toys and transforming them into that megazord. I also remember the green ranger, who was always that slick guy, and I think was the reason for the red ranger's downfall. I always liked Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and I never liked the other ones that came after it. Now watching it as a 16 year old teenager, I came to think about all those good days when school wasn't important and Power Rangers was the THING. It was probably the only show I watched ENTIRELY. Of course, I remember Bulk and Skull and that funny song that came when they were up to their mischief. I remember that witch villain and later that red cyclops looking guy who took on as the main bad boy. I forgot most of their names, but I have my favorite scenes running through my head. I remember the one episode where all the robots were falling in that crater and there was the to be continued... on the bottom. I remember crying watching that part. (Yes, I was THAT crazy) I mean, acting, of course, isn't what you call professional, but it was still THE greatest show that was in my life. I practically grew up with the power rangers. Dressing up as them for Halloween and buying those morphing devices and reenacting battles was the best part of my childhood. Looking at how old these actors who inspired each and every one of us became was something to definitely notice. And how sad all the fans felt when the actress for yellow ranger died. These people should be proud of what they have done for us. People of my generation grew up with this show and was inspired in our own different ways. Tears come to my eyes as I watched this show again and watched zords fighting familiar villains. Despite how cheesy this show was, it was definitely the live-changing show of my life. I don't care about what people say NOW about this show after growing up. This show is (and all you people who deny it are liars...) THE show of our childhood and WE treasured it when we were kids. It was my most favorite show of all time and I hope when I have kids, my children can treasure their own kind of TV shows like how I treasured Power Rangers.
Equilibrium (2002)
Pure Insanity
I saw this movie on Dish TV. I had absolutely no idea what this movie was about. I just noticed that famous actors were in the film. When I saw the opening of it, it blew my mind. It was practically Matrix, with a darker element. The action was superb. It proved to be a promising movie. The movie's story was a bit confusing for me in the beginning, but eventually I figured it out. It was very similar to Matrix story-wise. Although the mood of the film was extremely mechanical-like and the scenes were often gloomy and dark, it was just one of the coolest movies I have ever seen. Christian Bale was great playing like a serious guy with no expression at all. This movie is definitely worth watching, if not twice.
Gajok (2004)
Powerful
I like comparing this film to Failan. Both were emotionally heart-ripping. I honestly cried while watching the film. The father's belief of self-sacrifice for a daughter who betrayed him many times shows family love.
Chang Won, the gangster, was such an evil man. He showed the cruelty of someone who does not understand the meaning of love. Although I was hoping for a satisfying punishment on this evil character, the film oddly did not show this. Rather, it portrayed something better than violence. The father's death represented something very similar to Jesus's crucifixion. The girl immediately changes in attitude and characteristic as a whole. She becomes purified and also a new human being. Instead of doing the dirty work of gangsters, she cares for her brother. This movie was just hands down a masterpiece.
Failan (2001)
Just marvelous
You see, I never even intended to watch this movie. My dad brings DVDs from Korea now and then, and this movie was on of them. I didn't really think that it would be worth watching, judging from its covers. On spring break, I decided to watch some movies because I was pretty bored. Sooner or later, I was watching this movie. I was absolutely speechless when watching this film. At first, I was confused because I had no idea what paper marriage was. It just kept going to the girl and then when the scene changes back to the guy, he says that she is dead. I was really confused. Halfway during the movie, I started to understand that it was part of a past scene- kinda thing. Anyways, I began to become saddened as the film progressed. The girl who plays Failan was extremely powerful when acting. Her soft attitude just made me feel entirely sorry for her. I just sobbed along the way. I can't necessarily explain, but this movie is a masterpiece in Korean cinema, and I don't regret watching it.