Movie: Spanglish

I LOVEDDDD this movie! Wanted so much to watch it ever since I saw its trailer long ago in some other movie's opening scenes. Not only the story was so great and touching and warm, the chemistry between Adam Sandler an Paz Vega was sooo breath-stoppingly suspense.

Paz Vega was soooo gorgeous!! And.. I never expected myself to say this: Adam Sandler is so totally hot... But come to think of it, he was also an eye stealer in 50 First Dates.

The story was generally about two families from different cultural background meeting and ended up sharing each other life norms; the Claskys with its typical metropolitan American family and The Morenos with its Mexican ways.

Poor Tea Leoni played as Sandler's hypersensitive wife, Deborah, whose personality very much described the term "roller coaster emotion". Loosing her job has made her a full time mother (Deborah: *gulp, and for the daughter: *double gulps--loved this lines ;-p) and apparently had drove her emotional disposition to an edge.

But want to know what I think? If I was her, seeing the beautiful Mexican like Flor Moreno (Paz Vega), I will definitely try to find some excuses for NOT hiring her... you know, just to be save... HAHAHA. I mean... hello!! the girl is too beautiful to have the save make up of a housekeeper, especially when you're having an emotional breakdown episodes! But I have to say this, the world is gonna feel more as a wonderful place as it is, if there were a lot more John Clasky (Adam Sandler's character) in it.

Oh, going back to "poor" Tea Leoni, I used that word because even though until the end, I couldn't forced myself to spare some empathy towards her character. She's still an annoying person even after all the tears--hers, not mine of course.

While still speaking about the character, I also like the Clansky's daughter character: Bernie. She's a very tough young girl, dealing in such graceful ways all the problems she has to face, from her mother and, especially, from her own self. She even still treated Christina (Flor's daughter) kindly even though she couldn't help herself comparing herself with the beautiful Mexican girl--a family trait 0f the Morenos.

Hmm... what else? Oh, my favorite scene: was when John and Flor have their talk at the beach, and Flor "accidentally" was standing where the sea wind blew naughtily, carving her goddess like body. And the helpless John shout more or less, "Will you not stand there??!!!" HAHAHAHA...

Rate:
Casts: Adam Sandler, Tea Leoni, Paz Vega, Cloris Leachman Director, Screenwriter: James L. Brooks Producers: Richard Sakai, Joan Bradshaw, Julie Ansell, James L. Brooks Released Company: Sony Pictures Entertainment, 2005 (Video)

PS. ARGGGHHH... whatamIdoing??? I'm supposed to write my research plan, not THIS!!! **all stressed-out me

Movie: Harry Potter and The Order of Phoenix

Watching the Weasleys were certainly becoming nice treats, they're really growing into such a handsome family. Look at the twins! ...Nice... ;-p

It's funny how my eyes instantly ignored Radcliffe or Watson, and went straight to Grint whenever they appeared together.

Radcliffe sure was looking the part, though, looking like a drug addict *grin* (so skinny, and is he shrinking or everybody around him just seemed to grow taller?).

He certainly gave us the feel on how someone would look like if you have a dark lord after your life in every 1 of 3600s. No wonder people of the wizardly world thought his loosing it.

Sirius Black was looking as handsome as ever, really brought me back to the time when he was playing as the Count. Ooh, I also loved the way Fiennes hold his magic wand, so cool and character's detailed. And what do we have here? Helena Bonham Carter? Gee, I guess the British really unleashed all of their power here! She always can take my breath away...

Speaking about the new joined casts, I enjoyed Imelda Staunton's Dolores Umbridge. The all-the-way pink outfits and the pink office and the whole wall of cats pictures were simply LOVELY, dear (said it with a thick British accent, please ;-p). And also Luna Lovegood was definitely stealing the screens away. Cho Chang was like... "Who? Which one is her?" While she actually had a kissing scene with Potter, poor girl...

I guess the challenge to stick into the audiences minds grew bigger now, with all the characters competing.

As for the story, I'm glad it has been 4 years (was it?) since I read the fifth book of this series. My friend, who just finished reading it again--after she didn't even know now for how many times--two weeks ago, complained a lot about the details that weren't there.

I said to her, "Hey, never expect too much from the screened written works. Just treat them as a completely different work if you don't want to get disappointed."

And that way of thinking sure has saved me again from the complaints, I was very at peace with my thoughts. I simply enjoyed the movie, which was kind of a great entertainment, as a matter a fact!

PS. Trivia: You may have noticed that in the Griffindor's Common Room, there were some tapestries that resembled the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries. Cool...!!

Rate:
Director: David Yates Writing Credits: Michael Goldenberg, J.K. Rowling Release Company: Warner Bros. Release Date: July 2007 (theather)

Blog: Harry Potter Stuffs

Went to see the latest of the Harry Potter series last night. And as far a good marketing goes, they got my weak heart at the Achilles point. There were a lot of gimmicks at the Tachikawa cinema, but luckily I've managed to restrain myself into this maybe-not-so-usable objects:

1. A black wallet-like, somewhere you can put your pen, pencil, point cards, ID cards, credit card, and so on. Yeah, right, like I'm willing to be seen with it around campus...

"Ooh, I think I'm just gonna bring my Harry Potter's BIG BLACK wallet to the seminar..." NOT!!! ;-p

2. A gold Dumbledore's Army pin... kind of cool...


3. Two of book's jackets, made from leather-like plastic thingy: the most usable of them all perhaps. They actually have one for every book (according to a new friend who's a Potter Mania), but since the design varied, I chose only the ones that I like: the fourth (The Goblet of Fire) and fifth (The Order of The Phoenix).



There were also HP's quills (and as nicely put by my Japanese friend: who's gonna use THAT?!?), the usual stationery stuffs (erasers, pens, pencils), Hedwig's various dolls (small for mobile phones, rather big for other purposes, etc), book marks. Hmm... what else... well, luckily I didn't really notice, huh? ;-p

Movie: The Human Stain

Have been longing to see this one out of a good recommendation from a fellow movie fan. Wentworth Miller was the main reason, of course, for me, to look it up, anyway. So, I went to the local DVD rental shop and found the DVD I wanted on the Prison Break's rack. Looking for it was a bit difficult since the rack was organized based on Japanese title.

The Human Stain was translated into 白いカラス (Shiroi Karasu = White Crow). Cannot be really sure, but I guess the title came out out of Nicole Kidman's character fondness of a crow she called Prince. And as for the color mentioning: this movie did talked about racial issues.

Anyway, going into the story. Anthony Hopkins played as Coleman Silk, a light-skinned African-American, that has been hiding his racial identity almost most of his life. But one small ironic accident happened and destroyed all that he has built by sacrificing his family and identity: he lost his job after using a word that has bad implication to the colored people. The story then flash-back and forward a bit to his past life and his present life after meeting a beautiful drifter played by Nicole Kidman.

My biggest protest was of course: there's not enough Wentworth Miller on the screen ;-p, a definitely bias opinion. But aside from the Wentworth's fandom, I think I was more interested in how Coleman achieved his position as a well known college professor, rather than his life after he lost his job.

But watching the trailer, I guess that was a long shot hope, cause they were definitely focusing on his relationship with Nicole Kidman's character, which couldn't be explore if the movie was heavier on the past life of Coleman Silk. I cannot help thinking though, that maybe the book offered much interesting and deep story of this character. Hmmm, another bad interpretation of a written work? Since I never actually read the book by Philip Roth, cannot say anymore.

Oh, and the scenes with Nicole's ex-husband were more of a blur for me. Didn't really grasped the significance of them all.



As for the acting, well... couldn't really get it inside my head that Anthony Hopkins was indeed an African-American, while Wentworth, being a half African descended himself, really looked the part. And even though, I have came to like Nicole's acting, in this movie her character was a bit felt pretentious for me.




Rate:

Director: Robert Benton Casts: Anthony Hopkins, Nicole Kidman, Wentworth Miller Producer: Miramax Films Release Date: Oct 2003 (theather), July 2004 (video)

Movie: Letters from Iwo Jima

Finally saw this movie last night, after The Flags of Our Father about two months ago .

We crowded in front of a not so big laptop after a birthday dinner, turned off the lights at the Cross Cultural Hall, and enjoyed the surprisingly-not-bad audio from my 500 yen speaker (I'm so loving them right now!).

Parallel to the Flags, Letters gave us glimpses of minutes in the Japanese soldiers' lives at the island, during the siege at the ending of WW II--it even has some of the parallel scenes with the former.

But unlike the Flags, the story in this one solely revolved at the island, and for a movie that had been directed by an American, Letters really felt like a Japanese production; a bit slow in pace but rich with details. Making me salute Eastwood more for this version.

While the emotion was more thickly tasted in Letters, rather than in Flags--well, for me anyway, the characters in it also left strong impacts. I really was finding it hard not to fell for the Saigo character, rooting for him to come back to the main island safely, and hating the Americans for invading Iwo Jima.

Ken Watanabe really looked dashingly handsome in this movie, also his friend Lieutenant Colonel Nishi, if I may add ;-p. Really fit the image of a charismatic general that we certainly cannot hate even though his on the enemy side.

There was one loose string on the whole web, I didn't quite feel it at the scene where Nishi read the American soldier's letter. Too bad. It was the potential tears producer's scene. But anyway, I like the ending, where Saigo really lived up to his name; "the last."

Rate:

Images: rottentomatoes.com

Movie: Pirates of the Carribean 3: At World's End

Saw the all long awaited movie of this summer with the usual group (minus one, actually). Since I heard the so-so reviews of it, I didn't get my hope to high on this one. And glad I did that. With all of that accents and betrayals, I couldn't really follow the story. Oh I do so missed the Indonesian/English subtitles...

Felt like I should have done yousu (= preparation before class) or read the script book first before watching it. There were so many folklore/legends we supposed to know in order to understand anything, or maybe my brain capacity just failed me tonight.

And what's with the Elizabeth's speech? Oh, please, she for the pirate lord? Yeah right...

Davy Jones got all that gooey tako (= octopus) tentacles from the curse, and Will Turner turned out to as "dashing" as ever, with great tanned and black pirate costume?!? That's so unfair... if I were Davy Jones, I would protest!

What ever happened to constancy, I ask you....?

Hehehehe...

Oh well... but thank god Johnny Deep was as reliable as ever. If I was the director/producer or whatever, I will so loving him in this movie. Cause his character was the actual beacon of the whole show, I think. The scenes where he's talking to him selves were really entertaining.

Oh, I also liking the two Company's soldiers who never seemed to get their job done properly. It's kind of funny to see them finally joining the pirate crew.

Rate:


Images: rottentomatoes.com

TV: American Idol Season 6, Top 12 Perfomances: Loving Doolittle

So this season of American Idol is finally presenting its 12 finalists. A bit sad when Sundance didn’t make it (he got this loveable image and potential unique voice that made me rooting for him), but not really surprised when Sanjaya got his break: I imagine the kid got some serious back up from the American audience; having all the Indian community in the states united to support him :-p

When watching the first battle between the 12 finalists, I was really looking forward on seeing Blake’s, Chris’s (the Justin look-alike, not the other one), Gina’s, and of course Melinda Doolittle’s.

Wow, Diana Ross’s songs sure looked very tough to handle, seeing only few succeed in nailing their songs. But Doolittle really came out and making me loving and rooting her more, at the first part of the show nonetheless. Ever since her last performance when she sang WOMAN (this was the title, wasn’t it? Well, at least I remembered her spelling that word for the song, hehehe). Give us more Doolittle!!!

Lakisha? Well, she was also good, but I am still lacking of chemistry with her. Brandon was as always nice to look at (like his smile) but too bad he didn’t really bring it. Phil? Oh, how I wish he’s no longer on the stage, there’s something about him that gives me the creeps (he made me thinking of some twisted Egyptian priest, in the middle of doing some horrid mummification ritual ;-p sowwiiii…)

Haley was standing there looking as sweet as your regular girl next door; I really hope she can still stay long on the show. Chris Leigh? Agree with the judges: keep the glasses, man! Blake: Not his best, I hope he’ll get more suitable songs in the future. Chris: looking good! Really liked the way he strolled in into the stage, so cool.

Now, Sanjaya: I really thought that he will be the first to get vote-out at the final, but Brandon was the one to go home instead. So I was surprised. Yes, the hair made him looked better now, and it was kind of nice seeing him more “alive” that his prior performances, but really… Anyway, the backing up of him was no joke, it turned out. When listening to the judges’ comments, I was like: just let the poor kid go, people, don’t prolong his misery. Well, the pleading is to be postponed, it seemed, I just hope for not too long.

Image: americanidol.com

Movie: The Prestige

I have watched this movie a while back, but didn’t have the fingers to type a review until now. Don’t get me wrong, I actually enjoyed watching this film. Definitely wasn’t sorry for spending extra money to see it at the movies.

Despite some harsh comments around it, the movie was great in my opinion as a whole. The casts, the wardrobes, the settings, the atmosphere of restless and eager of novelty London was strongly felt. The clash between social classes also, though subtly, well described. My beloved Christian Bale of course played an important role for me to enjoy it ;-p Yes, the ending that was supposed to be The Prestige of the movie was a bit dissapointed, after all the thick plotting, great story telling, etc, but as I said before: it was a good entertaintment for me.

Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) were both newly started magicians in the same show. They were honestly competitors. But their lives took drastic turns after a terrible incident. The accident left a deep grudge for Angier and sharpen the rivalry between them until the point of obsession with dangerous and deadly consequences. They became fierce enemies-for-life and consequently jeopardizing the lives of everyone around them.


In the battle between Bale’s and Jackman’s characters, I couldn’t help to take side, and it didn’t take long for me to choose Bale’s. I really liked his character in this movie: being plainly from the lower class he became mysterious, full of secrets, ambitious enough to go to the dark side. Some people probably would simply put him as the bad guy of this movie; but the ending will alter your mind, and he will show you big portion of his character that will make you realize that he’s so human.


Speaking about bad and good guy, as the opposite of Bale’s character, Hugh’s was the mirror of idealism: good looks and knows how to use it, charming and charismatic, a man with deep love for the family, even though he posed as a commoner, there was an air of a nobleman in his presence—in other words, he seemed to have come from the upper class. But as the story goes, the line between good and bad will gradually fades. It’s as if the mirror has broken.

I just loveeeeddd the way they twisted the story!!!

The other casts were also quite good, after all there were Scarlett Johansson, and—get this!—David Bowie! He played as Tesla, an ecsentric scientist who helped Angier. I didn’t realize it was him until my friend told me. He looked sooo different, from the his usual white/pale blond hair self.

Rate:
Casts: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, David Bowie, Michael Caine, Ricky Jay, Andy Serkis, Daniel Davis, Jim Piddock, Christopher Neame, Roger Rees, Jamie Harris

Director: Christopher Nolan Source Writer: Christopher Priest, Jonathan Nolan Producer: Aaron Ryder, Emma Thomas Director of Photography: Wally Pfister Music: David Julyan Genre: Drama, Rivalry, Thriller, Magic, Science Fiction Release Company: Touchstone Pictures MPAA Rating: PG-13, for violence and disturbing images Released: 20-10-2006

Source: www. rottentomatoes.com

Movie: Click

Never thought that an Adam Sandler’s movie could touched me so deeply--can't really say that I ultimately enjoy his movies or definitely will laugh at his jokes. There was, though, an exception, for 50 First Dates, cause that movie was totally and utterly romantic. And I guess, the list is now growing for I found watching Click as a great experience.

Though began with Sandler’s movies typical anecdotes, after a while the plot of the movie grew heavier, with weighty issues that I think, we ourselves often face in our everyday lives. Just forget the unfunny jokes, toss away the not-so-important flatulence scene or David Hasselhoff’s scenes or whatever, cause after that you’ll see how the movie tried to remind us—no matter what the critics said—that you should definitely treasure time more.

The story was about Michael Newman (Sandler), a husband and a father of two who’s trying so hard to get a promotion as a partner in his boss’ architecture company. While focusing for it, he put aside everything, including his family and his own well-being. On a one really stressful day, he met an eccentric scientist named Morty who gave him a special newly developed universal remote control.

Not only worked on ceiling fan and television, it turned out that the remote control worked also on… yes, dog, people and basically everything! It enable him to fast forward, go to the next chapter, or click into the mute mode, and even gave Michael a glimpse of his past and future life, in complete DVD mode menu. This reminded me a bit of Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol—you know, with the whole ghost from the past, present, and future stuffs.

But then just like in other stories, things that you get so easily sooner or later will eventually claim its rewards. The same happened to Michael. One day he found himself leaping through chapters of his life involuntarily. The remote control had self-programmed itself so Michael will leap through the things he dreaded, such as dinner with family, fight with his wife, sick period, etc. Soon he realized that he had missed almost every small detailed but precious moments with his family; his parents were getting older, he himself was getting fatter, and his children were becoming adults without him knowing.

And to this, I can relate. There were times when I want to fast forward some things, really tired with the process and cannot wait for the outcome—the whole routine that can choked you up sometimes. Times when I cut off conversations with my mom or little sis or grandma, saying that I was busy doing other things to have that “not-so-important” kind of talk. There were also the times when I was so bored with family gathering, family dinner, and wished that they would be over soon so I could go back to work.

Fast forwarding all of those—seemed like boring—times with your family or forcing yourself to be there but turning out more like a zombie rather than your whole self would seem harmless at the time, but recently I found myself missing all of that and wondering, "Do I easily take anything for granted?" What will happen when time no longer want to be my ally?

Boy oh boy… do I’ve become so melo. ;-p

Anyway, Kate Beckinsale looked great in this movie; she got the hair, the body, and the make-up. Almost didn’t recognized her without the light blue contact lenses and tight leather black suit ;-p

Rate:
Casts: Adam Sandler, Kate Beckinsale, Christopher Walken, Sean Astin, Jennifer Coolidge, Rachel Dratch, David Hasselhoff Director: Frank Coraci Screenwriters: Steve Koren, Mark O'Keefe Producers: Adam Sandler, Jack Giarraputo, Neal H. Moritz, Steve Koren, Mark O'Keefe Source: rottentomatoes.com

Movie: Eragon

“Darn those LOTRs!” I imagine all of fantasy directors and producers are cursing to the trilogy, because afterwards, making fantasy movie just isn’t the same anymore; too much expectations and not the mention miles and miles of thinkable comparing with those Peter Jackson’s masterpieces after watching any movie from the same genre.

That’s what happened to me at the first watch of Eragon: constant comparing to other fantasy movies and—this was probably the ultimate doom for it—the book that had inspired this movie itself: Eragon (this is the first book from Inheritance Trilogy by Christopher Paolini; the second: Eldest already available, while the third is still in writing).

Far from the delicious books, the storyline was—as already anticipated—felt overly paced. Details, both emotional and physical, that had made Paolini’s one of my favorite author were cut down, living the story dry. Saphira’s transformation from a baby dragon into a young one was an emotionless instant process, removing best bonding moments of a rider and his dragon—the blasting effects only gave little soothing.


The dragon was great, but hey, it’s a fourth time Oscar nominee Fangmeier’s after all. Loved the way the team designed the magical creature for speed—unlike Draco in Dragon Heart who was bulkier. Scenes with Saphira in them were eyes spoilers. The props were not great but not complain-able; too bad Eragon’s sword was not impressive enough though, a bit plastic lookingy. And Kym Barrett’s costumes… hmm, were a little too contemporary for me. I also missed the dwarfs who were supposed to live with the Varden.

The talents were physically well cast, “physically” being the operative word here—with the exception of John Malkovich, but that just my subjectivity talking, I never enjoy watching him on screen. While Ed Speleers fit perfectly into the image of a young dragon rider—his expression of adoration to Arya was unforgettably cute, Sienna Guillory’s Arya was a bit different from what I had imagined when reading the books.



Though her features were quite elfish, her gestures suggested attraction and even flirtation sometimes to Eragon. Whereas I always pictured Arya as a cool, distance and dark haired elf—speaking of which, I don’t remember the film mentioning her as this superior race. She was supposed to be hundreds of years old elf that looked at Eragon as a young inexperienced human boy—in the book, she even subtly expressed discomfort toward Eragon’s feeling.

Robert Carlyle as Durza the Shade was undeniably great! He really could carry the image of a powerful and evil wizard. The red hair and gray contacts helped him live up the character, though I was a bit puzzled about the sudden change of make up in the battle scenes. Not enough Murtagh, of course, but that was only because I imagined Steven Strait (Sky High, The Covenant) playing that character ;-p

Over all, it was a nice entertainment, not great, but nice enough.


Rate:
Casts: Ed Speleers, Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Robert Carlyle, Djimon Hounsou, Sienna Guillory, Garrett Hedlund, Rachel Weisz (voice of Saphira) Director: Stefen Fangmeier Images: www.rottentomatoes.com

TV Series: Prison Break Season 2

I was a bit doubtful about this season, at the same time secretly hoping that this would be the last, cause what more can you expect from the same attempt of breaking away from the same prison by the same group of people? Could you endure another 14 episodes, frame after frame, of highly tensed situations? Well, I got to watch the first two episodes and then decided to take a break and watched something else more soothing. You’ll have to admit that Prison Break was definitely not some show you’ll want to watch after one tiring day of work, when you want some relaxation; well, at least for me.

Starting again was a bit dragging, but the old spell bound me again after two following episodes. Two thumbs up for the production team who clearly mastered the art of telling suspense story. The question lingered in my mind ever since the end of the first season was “How will they bring the story forward?” Watching half of season 2, I felt as if they gave me a mischievous smile, and answered, “Forward? Who said anything about going forward?”

Using flashback scenes with seamless editing, the season took us about three years ago, giving us glimpses of Sucre’s, T-Bag’s, C-Note’s, Lincoln’s, Veronica’s, and most importantly, Michael Scofield’s life before Fox River. We got to see Michael with a posh office, looking so good in those dark suits (sigh), and a longer detail version of the reason why Michael risked everything to help Lincoln.

And then after that, back to the great escape! After numerous, and I mean numerous, obstacles the escapee team run into—imagining the script team always gathered around brainstorming every possible trouble they can encounter in that prison—Michael finally announced that they would move: TONIGHT! There was no other option cause thanks to Tweener’s ratting, C.O. Captain Bellick had found out their hole under the guard’s room.

It wouldn’t be Prison Break if there were no complications: the accelerated timing, the old Westmoreland got himself badly injured when fighting Bellick, Lincoln was in the solitary cell, and there were three extra men: Tweener the Vanilla Ice kid, Sucre’s cousin Manche, and Haywire for the team. They broke out and made to the other side of the wall, FINALLY, anyway; poor Sucre’s cousin and Westmoreland (sob) didn’t make it, though. All of that, after a long series of me gasping, holding my breath, and calling—together with Linclon, “Come on, Michael! Michael~! Come on, you can do it!” ;-p


But IMHO, I felt that this time there were too many luck elements on Michael’s plan; one of them was depending on Dr. Sara Tancredi’s aptness in helping him. But one can argue that this showed how Michael was a real genius, not only in engineering stuffs but also in psychology—well, that, and the fact that he had kissed her and gave her enough dose of those beautiful piercing eyes of his on regular basis; no one could blame her if she finally granted Michael’s request! If somebody like Wentworth Miller look at me the way that he did Dr. Tancredi… **sigh ;-p

The episodes ended with:
- Turning the table to the Company, The Vice President Reynolds had become the President of the U.S.;
- Lincoln’s son LJ got arrested on attempted murder of Kellerman;
- Veronica found out that Steadman was still alive!
- Lincoln’s and Michael’s father was also still alive, and a former agent of the Company no less;
- Dr. Sara Tancredi was found unconscious because of drugs O.D.;
- The getaway plane for Michael and the escapees got away without them!

And the story continues as Sucre and Michael described it at its best:
”What do we do now?” asked Sucre.
“We run!” Michael answered.

Notes: I was a bit confused after reading tv.com’s reviews; somehow the episodes that I saw (until eps 22: Flight according to tv.com) are still in the first season. The last episode of the second season itself, according to the website, was aired 27 November 2006, only a few days ago. So I guess they’re right and my “suppliers” were the one that got things a bit mix-up.

Writer: Paul T. Scheuring Director: Kevin Hooks Casts: Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, Paul Adelstein, Rockmond Dunbar, Robin Tunney, Marshall Allman, Amaury Nolasco, Robert Knepper, Wade Williams, Sarah Wayne Callies, Stacy Keach (Warden Henry Pope) Images: tv.com

Movie: The Departed

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson and Mark Wahlberg, and the rumor that said that this movie is gonna be Hollywood’s version of Hong Kong’s Infernal Affairs, The Departed was definitely on my list of a must-see. I really loved the trilogy (Infernal Affairs I, II, III starring Andy Lau and Tony Leung); it was the coolest movie ever! As for the big name of Martin Scorsese, can’t pretend that I can distinguish his works from others, so sorry to all of you movie buffs out there ;-p

Oh, okay, somebody had just whispered to my ear, “Madagascar… Shark Tale (ahhh, of course, sharks playing mafia movie, figures!)… Age of Innocence (that was his too?!? Wow!!)…Gangs of New York… The Aviator… (Hmm, what's this I spot with my little eye? A lot of Leo!)…”

From rottentomatoes: "The Departed" is set in South Boston where the state police is waging war on organized crime. Young undercover cop Billy Costigan (DiCaprio) is assigned to infiltrate the mob run by gangland chief Costello (Nicholson). While Billy is quickly gaining Costello's confidence, Colin Sullivan (Damon), a hardened young criminal who has infiltrated the police department as an informer for Costello, is rising to a position of power in the Special Investigation Unit.

There are only two people in the Massachusetts State Police who know the newest addition to Costello's crew is an undercover cop: Captain Queenan (Sheen) and Sergeant Dignam (Wahlberg). Billy didn’t even tell Madolyn (Farmiga), his psychiatrist who specializes in dealing with troubled people on both sides of the law, about his double lives.

I raised my hat—if I wore a hat, that is—to Jack Nicholson and Leonardo DiCaprio in this movie. They were great. Damon, on the other hand, oddly didn’t leave too deep of an impression. But to tell you the truth, I like the Hong Kong’s version better. Though Scorsese himself said that this movie was not a remake, I couldn’t help comparing the two: The Departed only got a B for me, while Infernal Affairs triumphed with an A+ (the twisted storyline, the gripping frames, Andy Lau was superb, Tony Leung was breathtaking!).

But watching this movie in the theatre definitely has its own merits: the loud gasps of women who apparently, I’m sure, haven’t seen the Hong Kong’s version; me nodding and smiling the superior I-know-something-you-don’t smile through out the ending, hehehe; and of course LEO on the big screen!!!


Note (not so related but couldn’t resist to write it): I’m a new fan of Leo, ever since Catch Me If You Can with Tom Hanks. He’s developing very well don’t you think? ;-p I remember the old me who smirked on every sight of him—I was an acute cynic when it came to the typical popular pretty boy during, I think, the Romeo and Juliet and The Titanic period. Hahaha. And look at me now, a collector of Leo’s movies! *wide grin*.


Casts: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Vera Farmiga, Ray Winstone, Alec Baldwin Director: Martin Scorsese Screenwriter: William Monahan Source Writer: Alan Mak, Felix Chong

More: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/departed/about.php

Movie: Asterix and the Vikings

I couldn’t believe my luck! I had been so eager to watch this movie, being an all time Asterix’s fan and all, but the cinemas in Jakarta only played it for about one week or something, so it was all gone before I can say Vitalstatistix! I even considered watching it in Solo, when I saw the poster at its mall last Independence Day’s holiday.

But at long last, when I went to Bekasi last weekend for my weekly report to the parents, what did I saw on one of the Mal Metropolitan’s cinema poster’s board? Asterix and the Vikings! Woo-hoo!!!

I went to watch this movie with a blank head, of course I’ve read the book: Asterix and the Normans and proclaimed it as my favorite, but unlike with any other movies, this time I went without the taint of reviews.

The main point of the story stayed true to the book: the fearless Vikings whose the very names were the terror of every villages and countries, heard that fear can give people wings—actual physical wings; this was why their potential ravage objects always seemed able to fly away before their rampage. So they decided to embark on a new journey, the mission: find the champion of fear to teach them how to fly, by Thor and Odin!

“And after that, the world would say the Viking is the chikenest people in the world!” roared the chief.
“CHICKEN!” answered his bulky men.
“We are the COWARDS!” he growled again.
“COWARDS!” As they raised their goblets made from human skulls in a hall filled with human skeletons hung there for decoration.

The mission was conveniently enough decided at the same time as the arrival of Justforkix, Vitalstatistix’s nephew, who needed to be taught to become a warrior at our loveable Gaul’s village. This Parisian was the picture of modern town teenager, with his fancy chariot, vegetarian diet, and a pet dove named SMS, short for Short Message Servicix, whose job was delivering messages for Justforkix.

Here are some other typical Asterix's hilarious dialogues:
Chief wife: “Don’t forget to find me matching skulls to complete my collection!”
Chief: Okay, dear, I’ll try to find a twin this time.”

Obelix: “That walrus looks delicious… How did you make it?”
Chief: “Oh, the walrus with cream sauce? Easy, just like making strawberries with cream sauce. First, prepare the walrus and the cream, and this time instead of using strawberries, you… WHO ARE YOU?”

(Giggles)

The movie was fun because there were some twists in the story. You wouldn’t find Asterix and Obelix going to the North in rescue of Justforkix in the comic book, or the character named Abba who was the chief’s daughter and Justforkix’s love interest. The cartoon itself was not a disappointment, completed with the necessary animation technology but at the same time generally stayed true to Uderzo’s good old 2D. Over all, it was a pleasant experience and worth the long anticipation.

Title: Asterix and the Vikings Directors: Stefan Fjeldmark and Jesper Møller Screenplay by: Stefan Fjeldmark, Jesper Møller and Jean-Luc Goossens Made by: M6 and A.Film Running Time: 78 minutes Based on the Book: Asterix and the Normans Budget: US $26 million (most expensive European cartoon ever) Voice talent: Paul Giamatti…Asterix; Brad Garett…Obelix; Sean Astin…Justforkix; Evan Rachel Wood…Abba; John DiMaggio…the Viking Chief

More on: http://www.asterix.co.nz/movies/asterixandthevikings.htm

Persona: Wentworth Miller

Wentworthy Forever...

I am so glad that he finally scored a major role in Prison Break. I first saw him in Popular, I think. He played as Andy or something, a spiteful new kid in school who seemed to have the exact perfect words to insult other kids. His gray sweater and this bitter attitude instantly took my attention; unfortunately the show didn’t run long in Indonesia. Later I saw him in Dinotopia, but he again only took secondary role in the miniseries. After that finding him unexpectedly starring roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Underworld (yes, I’ve watched it and the sequel, but please spare me, the movies were about vampire after all, and I have this soft spot for any vampire-related story), were becoming pleasant surprises.

“Oh, my god! It’s Wentworth Miller!” shouted I, when I saw him in Underworld, played as a hospital intern, I think.
“Who?” asked my friend.

And this was the common reaction I got before Prison Break, nobody really remember him except yours truly who acutely has something for the supporting roles. Hahaha. But now it is almost easy to find a fellow wentworthy.

London born-Brooklyn raised Wentworth Miller is part African-American, Jamaican, English, German, French, Dutch, Syrian, and Lebanese. Guess this was the answer for his unique feature. He also has two different colored eyes: green and grayish hazel! Didn’t actually believe it until saw his close-up picture. He went to Princeton, where he traveled the world with the school's acapella group. After graduating Princeton with a degree in English literature, he moved to Los Angeles. Miller was cast in Prison Break because his signature look and acting made him the perfect fit for the character, and later, the breakout star of the 2005 TV season.

More in: tv.com, prisonbreak.com, wentworthmiller.com

TV Series: Prison Break Season 1

Writer: Paul T. Scheuring
Director: Kevin Hooks
Casts: Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, Paul Adelstein, Rockmond Dunbar, Robin Tunney, Marshall Allman, Amaury Nolasco, Robert Knepper, Wade Williams, Sarah Wayne Callies, Stacy Keach

Definitely the most awesome show after years! A bit McGyver-ish, I think. Problems’ solution primarily involved all kinds of know-how in engineering, psychology, chemistry, and politic. So very COOL! The story plot was also gripping until the last episode.

When Lincoln Burrows (Purcell) got framed for the murder of the Vice President’s brother, his engineering-genius brother, Michael Scofield (Miller), decided to construct an escape plan for him. When I said “construct” you’d really have to picture everything in details, in the true sense of the word; not only Michael examined every little bit of the maximum-security house that imprisoned Lincoln (the blue print up to the pipes, screws’ type, etc), he also researched the people who might be essential to the escape plan (fellow prisoners, the warden, the doctors, etc). Brilliant.

To succeed, Michael himself had to carry out the plan, so he intentionally committed an armed robbery, fire his guns, and then surrendered himself to the police. He was convicted, charged with every violation he had anticipated to get him the “permission” to be jailed in his brother’s prison. He brought along his plan on him, literally, on his body, in a form of tattoos covering his entire upper body. But living and surviving in prison was a challenge of its own without trying to apply any kind of plan. My unforgettable scene: when Michael lost two of his toes with the big steel cutter.

Really, you can trust me on this one: you should watch it for yourself!!!

Check out more in: tv.com, prisonbreak.com

TV Series: Nip/Tuck Season 2

Writer: Ryan Murphy
Director: Ryan Murphy
Casts: Dylan Walsh (Sean McNamara), Julian McMahon (Christian Troy), Joely Richardson (Julia McNamara), John Hensley (Matt McNamara), Roma Maffia (Liz Cruz)

Disturbing as it is, I found myself wanting more. Watching Julian McMahon having “adventures” as Dr. Christian Troy has certainly became my guilty pleasure. He is so HOT! ;-p You might remember him as Cole in TV Series: Charmed.

For those who are not familiar with this series, the story was about two best friends, Dr Sean McNamara and Dr. Christian Troy, who were running their own plastic surgery’s practice. The conflicts were dug up mostly from their opposite characters: Sean was a family man who always jumped at the chance on doing pro bono cases, whereas Christian was a playboy who never hesitate to use his talent and gift to seduce potential patients.

After watching the first season, I kind of waited for the right moment to see the second. After all, you cannot see too much of that body/face reconstructions the show has bluntly put out in its episodes; well, I couldn’t anyway. At the first season, I tended to fast forward any scenes involving the 15-blade. This season, I kind of skipped some, but was able to brace myself to see the rest. This show has certainly showed me the not-so-glamorous and even gruesome sides of plastic surgeries. After watching the first season, I even tried reading Beautiful Stranger by Hope Donahue to get more insights on the matter, but sadly the book didn’t have the same charm as this series for me; after more than four months—or more, maybe—I still haven’t finish that one.

The problem of this show was probably laid on its consistency. On one episode, Christian got nasty deep cut wounds on his forehead, courtesy of the mad Bobolit, but on the next, the scars magically disappeared. I mean, I know that McNamara and Troy was supposed to be good plastic surgeons, but really… At least, Sean’s scar from the carver on his cheek lasted for about three episodes. I also have to admit that the storyline of the show was so twisted and almost felt over dramatized, but watching a beautiful man like Christian holding a baby and showing unconditional love surely made me went, “Ooww…”

The casts was good, I think, with the exception on John Hensley who played Matt, Sean’s and Julia’s son, who turned out to be Christian’s son. When I first saw him he reminded me of Michael Jackson after Black or White. I would never understand why they chose him for this role, he’s not good-looking—oh, I’m so sorry to be so physical, right now—and lack the charm, if he has any. Plus the shocking celebrities’ gossip I read was he’s dating Joely Richardson! Yap, she played Julia, his mom. Oh, well, it doesn’t matter…

Heard that the show only lasted until Season 2, but on tv.com there were some episodes recap on Season 3. When I read two of them, it seemed that the storyline was getting twistier and twistier…