The Screen

Sunday, October 23, 2005

Lord of War

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Genre: Drama, Comedy, Crime

It's good to see Nicolas Cage do another movie, portrayed the character in the movie quite nicely, film itself might just be a bit mediocre, if not better. Though certainly good in it's own way, but it's not likely an award winning piece... but i could be wrong.

Honestly though, the story itself is creative enough, with a bit of funny sides at some portions, and heartbreaking too... but it's really just a rundown about a life of an arms dealer and how he dealth with the life he has chosen. It would be nice to see it again, but i guess i'll just have to wait for in HBO or in any networks that would show the film... and yes, i dont mind to wait. It's good enough but i am not that excited to see it on the cinemas for a second viewing.

87 out of 100

Doom

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Genre: Action, Thriller, Game-to-Movie

I am not really familiar with the game itself, though i did played it before but it was really a long time ago. I dont have any clue on what's the story behind the game, so i am not going to compare the movie to the game in any way. What i can do think about is how i can familiarize myself with it (since i am a Quake player and Quake is a bit similar to Doom).

Watching this movie though was quite fun, since i do get to see some of the game's primary aspects (like the BFG and the first person view game, plus the character of Sarge). As story goes, it's not that of an interesting stuff but it's still entertaining. I know a lot of critics would find it a bore and give it a negative review because it's just some ol' crazed shoot and kill, and nothing else... but's that's the real nature of the real game itself. So i guess they should shut the hell up and give this one a break (if they haven't played a game such as this one). I somehow feel it had some issues with the stories, but it was also loyal to the aspect of the game. For a gamer like me, it's one of the decent game-to-movie that has been created thus far.

84 out of 100

Sunday, October 16, 2005

Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

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Genre: Clay Animation, Comedy

Thus far the most hilarious animated film feature i have seen this year, and thinking it's claymation (old school animation still kicks arse). It's a story of two good buddies, between a cheese-loving invetor named Wallace and a smart... very smart dog named Gromit, in an adventure of dealing with the so called Were-Rabbit that is menacing the town in the event of the upcoming vegetable festival contest. The plot is quite simple yet very smartly done. Pretty much most of the sequences will deliver humor that are very amusing... so you wont get bored with it... at all! So much fun, if i had an asthma, i could have been sent to the hospital already from laughing too much. In addition, a short film was shown before the feature film... and if you're aware of the animated movie "Madagascar", then you'll be happy to see them again... though the stars here are the naughty penguins... which is in fact delivered a huge amount of laughs as well in just a short period of time.

Ok, so i dont have to say anything more, it's a likeable movie, it's a must to see. I wish i have a pet dog just like Gromit! (and thinking i am more of a cat lover).
96 out of 100

Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children

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Genre: Animated, Game-to-Movie

I've seen this movie not in any cinemas here in the city but might as well do some review about it... why? Because it's a very much of a kickass movie. I think Final Fantasy fanatics are in heaven right now with this film since it's stayed true to the game (unlike Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within). In comparison with the other Final Fantasy movie, Advent Children is far better in terms of actions and storylines. I just wish The Spirits Within was made as such and if it was, it could have been a blockbuster.

Anyways, let's get back to this particular film. Square Enix can really pull it off... with great cinematography, amazing graphics, jaw-dropping action sequences, and a whole lot more. Personally, i dont like playing FF games but i always do love their cutscenes... and with this movie, i am becoming a Final Fantasy fanatic as well. Unfortunately though, i have to understand the story of the game Final Fantasy VII if i want to fully comprehend this movie. The question is... is it a problem? no, i dont think so :P... as far as i've heard, there are extras on the DVD set that will explain more about the story (so i'd better get a copy).

So guess what my verdict will be... hmn, you really dont have to guess, it's already obvious and already made up :).
100 out of 100

Thursday, October 13, 2005

The Corpse Bride

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Genre: Animated, Fantasy, Comedy

This is just one of those movies that i am anticipating to watch, it's a Tim Burton film so this would probably be a fantastic one... and i was not disappointed. Burton's magic is there, and it's wonderful how he and his crew managed to make such an awesome artwork.

Going to the story, it was quite a predictable plot but i think it was meant to be like that (dont want the kids to wonder what's what and go around in circles trying to comprehend the movie). Predictable as it was, it went smoothly and not boring. Entertainment factor was added (if you're fond of music acts) by the music genius himself, Danny Elfman... which like in any of his previous works, sounds excellent.

Anyways, enough said... overall, another Burton Masterpiece!
88 out of 100

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

The Constant Gardener

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Genre: Drama, Thriller, Crime

I dont usually watch drama films and the title dont exactly catches my attention... what's with gardening anyway? Or i thought it was something to do with gardening and stuff but i didnt expect it to be this good. Call it boredome why i manage to think of watching it (it's a better choice than the others that are currently playing)... and did i regret it? Not even close.

It's one of those dramas that has sense, and can dubiously be real. I think it's one of those movies that i'll remember for a long time. Cinematography is excellent, storyline is smart and well done... and of course great ensemble of actors. Ralph Fiennes delivered a subtle but compelling character, so as Rachel Weisz depiction.

If i have to watch it again, i would do in an instant.
90 out of 100

Monday, October 10, 2005

The 40 Year Old Virgin

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Genre: Comedy, Adult Oriented, Romance

I should say that Steve Carell already made his mark as a great comedian, and he trully showed his stuff on this particular movie. With a notably remarkable role in the movie "Bruce Almighty" as Jim Carey's nemesis in the anchorman position and "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" which he played a dumb weather reporter, it's not surprising that he has achieved a lead role on a movie.

The 40 year old virgin is pretty much of an adult oriented movie (duh, only the stupid wont be able to recognize that it isnt) and thru all those adult humor and antics, you wont get bored watching the entire film. I personally enjoyed most moment... laughing!

So my verdict for this one, it's worth watching it.
83 out of 100.

Sunday, October 02, 2005

Land of the Dead

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Genre: Horror

What can i say about the film?... "Oh my gawd, the living dead are smarter than we thought!". It's potentially nerve-racking at scenes whenever the living characters get to roam around the city that is infested with the departed... well almost departed. It's really a fun movie to watch, all the gore, all the thrill, and man, nice make-up! (you can judge for yourself on the picture above).

This is one movie to enjoy, just skip it if you dont like to see a different kind of feast :P.
83 out of 100

Saturday, October 01, 2005

Dark Water

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Genre: Horror, Thriller

Asian horror films are indeed invading the West, and this is one proof of it. Dark Water is another japanese horror remake, just dont know if the storyline is exactly the same or tweeked a bit by the "great minds" of the american film makers since i havent seen the original. What exactly that i liked about this film is that it's anti-climactic and endured that sad storyline, puts it above average on my view. The downfall however is... as a horro movie, it didnt even made me terrified. There were so less boo stuff in there and it's not even that scary.

Hate to get this film a low rating coz i was expecting to make my own dirty water on my pants and did not happen, but it did pulled itself up from the stinky water with its good story.
82 out of 100.