There Will Be Blood

There Will Be Blood was written for the screen and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. This is without a doubt his best movie to date and right on my top movies of all time list. PT Anderson delivers perhaps his best work with "There Will Be Blood". Unlike "Magnolia", the film's daunting runtime is not very daunting whilst watching it. All acting in the film was solid, even the work of the child actors. Daniel Day-Lewis in particular delivered a truly phenomenal performance, capturing the power of greed, fear, insanity, and comedy simultaneously, at many points throughout the film. At no point does the time period distract from the power of the film. Sometimes period pieces cannot be appreciated because they delve too deep into historical details -- turning the experience into more of a documentary than a narrative set in the past. This is not the case for "There Will Be Blood", as human interactions are the focus of the film. Johnny Greenwood's chilling score is very strong, benefiting from the elegant minimalism that he show's in the band Radiohead.
Daniel Plainview(Daniel Day-Lewis) is a silver miner who strikes it rich after discovering oil underground. He gets a tip-off that there is an impoverished town out West has tons of oil underground. When Daniel goes there with his son(Dillon Freasier), he meets a young Christian preacher(Paul Dano) and his family who own the land where Daniel wants to drill. Soon Daniel stops at nothing to get what he wants, and is struck by insanity, envy, greed and vengeance in the process. Will this picture go on to win Best Picture? It absolutely has every right to, however I feel that this movie is a bit ahead of current trends in modern cinema, and will sadly go unnoticed for that particular Oscar. I'm certain that this film will garner many accolades in the independent and film festival scenes. All in all, this is truly a perfectly crafted film. The movie contains flawless cinematography and art direction. It is a beautiful movie to look at. It has very poignant dialogue and even though it is a 160 minute long movie, it certainly didn't feel like one. I didn't want the film to end. Paul Thomas Anderson did a great job here and definitely should get an Oscar Nomination for his work. Nevertheless, the movie belongs to Daniel Day-Lewis. He is in every scene of this movie and he simply doesn't act, but becomes Plainview. He gives without a doubt one of the greatest performances in cinematic history. It's not even a question as to whether he should get the Oscar this year. The Academy doesn't base it on talent though so we'll have to see.

Paul Thomas Anderson (dir.)
Daniel Day-Lewis
Paul Dano
Ciaran Hinds
Kevin J. O’Connor
Dillon Freasier

Atonement

I thought that "Atonement" was terrific. It is a really great movie. Obviously it is early days yet, and there are a lot of contenders still to appear, but "Atonement" might just be the winner-in-waiting of the Best Film Oscar in 2008. Put your money on it now. The superb Ian McEwan book translated into cold beautiful images by the startling Joe Wright and scriptwriter Christopher Hampton. The result is a series of powerful rushes and abrupt stops. A pacing that, perhaps, is a bit too self conscious for its own good doesn't help us to connect the emotional dots. I had the feeling I had lost something in the love story of the protagonists - something that didn't happen to me reading the book. By the time the "injustice" takes place I was taken by the pain of the injustice but not by Knightley and McAvoy's liaison. Their love story is left to its own devices. The beauty of the images is overwhelming and the assuredness of Joe Wright at his second feature after the, much better, "Pride and Prejudice" keeps you going. The score tends to be monotonous and irritating but in spite of all that I intend to see "Atonement" again and I would recommend it with just the above mentioned reservations.
"Atonement" is pure poetry on film. From the hazy, dreamy, hopeful days of 1935, a destructive act of spite, the horrors of Dunkirk (with one of the most fantastic long takes I have seen in a cinema for a very long), to the aftermath and a devastating "happy" ending, it is a magnificent and moving film, beautifully directed by Joe Wright.

I went to see the movie last night and were totally blown away by the whole experience. So brilliantly directed and acted. The movie time just flew by and we were drawn in and captivated by each dramatic moment. Never having read the book or been an expert on WW2, I had a truly open mind on what to expect and I'm not one of those who count every rivet or go looking for technical inaccuracies however small. This was truly a masterpiece of cinematography. We were treated to wonderful performances, lavish sets, shocking and thought-provoking moments and haunting themes. I had the privilege of being an extra in the Redcar, Dunkirk scene and once seen in its full glory and effect on the big screen I was simply in awe and glad to have been a part of it. Walking along Redcar beach from now on will never quite be the same again. I am quite sure that the movie will win a number of awards within the next 12 months, but that is not what really matters. Movies are there to entertain, tell a story and affect you emotionally and by God this did it in spades! If you have not seen it yet, you must!

I have never really rated Keira Knightley or understood her popularity. Except for her role in "Pride & Prejudice" (for which she was perfectly cast) I have tended to refer to her as Girl-Who-Would-Be-Winslet, as I thought that she had not played a single role that Kate Winslet could not have done better. Maybe I won't say that anymore. "Atonement" is easily the best thing Keira Knightley has done.

Keira Knightley has had a lot of the press over here, but we should not forget to mention the pitch perfect performances from James McAvoy and Romola Garai. They share as much screen time as La Knightley and are as impressive.

Wonderful film.

Cecilia (Keira Knightley) and Robbie (James McAvoy) are so young and beautiful and in love that you'll want to gag. Fortunately—for the drama, at least—their romance is blown apart by World War II and a bombshell dropped by Cecilia's younger sister. Love is a battlefield, but this gorgeous tragedy proves victorious.

National Treasure

I will keep it short and simple. Just watched it and it is worth it. Not much of details as you would expect out of a great movie, not much of substance in the movie itself however the acting and the pace of the movie is so beautiful you wont think of the flaws in the intricate plans they carry out in the movie. Shortly, the movie is great to me! Great acting, good plot, great actions, with some suspense parts, and wonderful locations and sets! Honestly I don't really know how to write this comment but I will say "Go watch it and judge it yourself". It is a great movie and even better than the first one! Go watch it and I will be glad if you like it like I do! Cannot wait to see it again! BEWARE! Contains some kisses, some mild actions violence and one people got shot at the head.

The subtle comedy is really nice and they have kept the first movie in consideration and have not brought many new characters. It is not a movie that you would think a lot about after you come out of the hall, however you will not think anything else either while the movie is going on. I will give it 7 for the sheer value of entertainment and nothing else and of course the one liners that keep popping up which actually make you laugh.

Bring everyone to go watch it and have fun at the movie! And don't expect too much! If you like the first one, you will surely like this one too!

I like it! And yes, the movie did get me confused in the beginning but as the movie proceeds, I felt better and better until the end!

The ending/climax at the end was the best part besides the big car chase sequence in the movie. Just love it! But it seems a bit too fast at the time they find the treasure but that's okay, still.

It is really suitable for the whole family and I hope it will do very well in the box office. This movie deserves it!

I also hope the sequel will be made!

As for the spoilers, I will not give away too much because I don't want to spoil you so badly. But none of the three main characters die in the end, but one person die but I will not state who! Go watch it and have fun!

The movie runs at 1 hour 58 minutes (approx.), I watched it in Malaysia, time at 12:45pm at Golden Screen Cinemas, Mid Valley. The movie opens here today on December 20, 2007.

The Kite Runner

It was AMAZING. The Kite Runner was beautiful, poignant and very moving. I particularly loved the two child actors in the film as well as the actor portraying the father. It really made me want to go back and read the book again. The release of the movie has been delayed because of concerns about the welfare of the child actors involved.

Regarding the movie, I feel it was masterfully done. It had as much impact on me, I think, as Stanley Kubrik's A Clockwork Orange, even though it is much less graphic - MUCH less. There is no comparison between the horrendous, shocking violence and rape shown in A Clockwork Orange and the small amount of violence actually shown in Kite Runner; only the subject matter and the implications for the human psyche are comparable. (I have written more details about the violence and child rape and how it was handled on my MySpace blog.) My overall impression was that this film was fantastic; one of the best-made films I have seen. The depiction of the Afghani boys flying their kites captured some of the beauty and grace of an art form unknown to most of the world. The subject matter is intensely serious, and the movie carries the emotions of the audience into that subject matter without many jarring "Hollywood touches" which have ruined other movies. Although the overturned cart of pomegranates was an obvious bit of symbolism (to me). The music was a wonderful part of the fabric of the movie. If there is a soundtrack coming out for the film, I will buy it to accompany my second reading of the book. It is also a visually stunning film. The cinematography was gorgeous and really added to experience.

I must mention the excellence of the sound track. The recitation by the boy of poetry by Rumi as two main characters are fleeing the country during the Russian invasion - under terrifying circumstances - truly showed the power of those poems. I urge anyone watching to disregard the subtitles in that scene to the extent that you can, and just listen to the beauty of the language. I don't even know what language Amir is quoting, whether his normal Dari Persian dialect is the same as Rumi's original Persian dialect. Also, please note the sound heard every time a kite line is cut. I found it a profound, distinctive sound, though the librarians who were with me did not notice it at all. I can't help but wonder if kites actually make a sound like that when they are "cut", or if it gives a sense of the vibration/sound experienced by the kite flyer during competition.

Juno

Last night, I finally got to see Juno, which I had been looking forward to for many months, as I am a big fan of Michael Cera. Now I realize just how much of an amazing actress Ellen Page is! I still need to see Hard Candy, even though I know the character will be so different, but she really blew me away. Her lines alone carried enough of the dry, sardonic flavor of the film to temper the perfect amount of winsome sweetness, which is present mostly in the last third of the movie. The character of Juno's father is also a standout, and a totally realistic portrayal of how a loving father would react to the situation. The final couple of scenes are incredibly affective, as well, and had more than just me shedding a few tears. I can't wait to see it again!

"Juno" is funny (nearly every single line of dialogue is written to elicit laughter), directed with at just as sure a hand as "Thank You For Smoking".. possibly surer.. and acted gamely by the whole cast -- especially Olvia Thirlby and J.K. Simmons as the title character's galpal and understanding dad. The script, by Diablo Cody, is rich with one-liners; anyone who's read Candy Girl (which is unbelievably intelligent and funny; her description of Shania Twain, especially, had me rolling) will kind of know what to expect.

This is without a doubt Ellen Page's show. She's in almost every scene, and I couldn't spot an instance when she made a bad decision or timed a delivery anything but dead-on. During a funky, kick azz opening title sequence, Juno is on her way to the pharmacy. "I just drank my weight in Sunny D, and gotta go, pronto!" It's time for another pregnancy test, because the last result looked more like a division symbol than a plus sign. New stick: same plus.

The father's a guy Juno had sex with once upon a time, who also happens to be her best friend, Paulie Bleeker (a non-affected, quite bland Michael Cera). She decides to give it up for adoption, being 16 and all, which Paulie supports -- as do Juno's father and step-mom -- and the rest of the film is about her selection of adoptive parents.

Pretty straightforward storytelling, but with an ear for quirky, hip dialogue. If the spoken words were any more "cool", or the actors speaking them did so with any less suave, my gag reflex might have taken over. The AFF audience I saw it with, last Sunday, couldn't get enough from the second Juno tells a dog to shut up, through lines comparing babies to iPods and Alison Janney going off on a physician.

There's good stuff, here. And even though it never really swept me off my feet, the film is consistently humorous and, in one scene near the end, somewhat heartbreaking.

Teeth Movie

I loved this movie! It was easily one of the most enjoyable ones I saw at Sundance. I saw it at the Eccles and the crowd seemed to go wild for it. There are some painful moments, and I figure now men have an idea of how uncomfortable an annual exam can be for us women. It's graphic but absolutely funny. The guy next to me said it should be mandatory viewing for middle school kids to keep them from having sex. The Suggestion is somewhat funny but worthwhile listening as we both knock off our bonkers laughing.

I just got back from the Sundance Film Festival where I saw the premier of "Teeth" – a disturbing horror / black comedy written and directed by Mitchell Lichtenstein. This move was a spectacular mix of horror, comedy, and disturbing special effects which is a must see movie for all horror buffs.

My favorite aspect of Sundance, apart from the Britney or Paris sightings are the independent horror movies. Every year I am pleased with the offerings – Blair Witch was entertaining (though over hyped by the time it was released); Wai Keung Lau's "The Park," was a blast, Neil Marshall's "The Descent" was horror at its best, and now Lichtenstein's "Teeth" was a bloody trip, which, because the vast majority of theater owners are male, I am not sure will see the wide release it deserves.

The movie involves a high school girl named Dawn, played convincingly by Jess Weixler. Dawn possesses the condition called Vagina dentata. The condition exacts sweet, painful justice on the abusive men she encounters. Through the use of tense music, convincing acting, and prosthetic special effects real enough to make all of the men in the audience groan, the result is a horror comedy of top-notch caliber.

It was fun and gross and even had a theme about taking charge of your own body and the choices that you make.

It so rocked!

I recommend it to everyone with a good sense of humor and a strong stomach.

August Rush

This was one absolutely brilliant movie. I just saw it at the special premiere to the Grammy Recording Academy members at the Warner Brother's studios in Burbank. It's an absolutely amazing story with a brilliant cast and a soundtrack that will blow you away. Apparently, both Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell,Jonathan Rhys Meyers learned most of the songs and played/sang them themselves, which is very impressive once you see the movie. John from five for fighting wrote a few songs on the soundtrack as well. Music is the common thread that keeps the entire movie together and completes it into the masterpiece of a movie that it is. Although at times, there may seem like there are gaps in the story line/character development, the point of this is that the music is what communicates those hidden details of the movie. Overall, this film is a masterpiece that should be cherished by music-lovers everywhere.

Some movie reviewers just don't get it. One calls August Rush, "…a piece of shameless hokum..."; another calls it "…the sort of movie that requires you not only to suspend disbelief, but to check your sanity at the ticket counter." That same reviewer said the movie Babel was a "towering dramatic achievement"; I thought it was lumbering and tedious with scenes arguably pedophilic. As one Yahoo user said about it, "Please let's not confuse art with ego…the sensationalism of seeing the naked girl or the masturbating boy was only necessary to compensate…THERE IS NO STORY HERE." How often do we see reviewers totally out of touch with the opinions of the movie-going public? Back to August Rush. This movie went right over many critics' heads. I believe these are the elements they least understood: August Rush is a story of hope that teaches hope, determination, perseverance, and to never give up on your dream. It gracefully defines the benefits of listening. It takes us to another realm where we can witness there is more to us than our mortal bodies, brains, and intellects. Aha! It teaches things of the spirit, things unseen, things beyond our human understanding, and it does so through a child who is full of joy when there seems to be no reason for him to have any! But, he is a prodigy with a talent kindling in him and he can do things for which there is no logical reason.

Numerous other marvelous instances of a "miraculous" vein have occurred in my own family's life's experiences. I submit to you, why do the Stephen Kings et all who present almost exclusively the darkside have the corner on the supernatural market? It's okay by today's standards to have the bejeebers scared out of us by the macabre, but to be encouraged by the extraordinary powers of our Creator? Why, that's just "shameless hokum." Do you know that each and every one of us has glorious potential within us if we'd just listen to the still small voice within? And that ain't "hokum," folks! My heart truly goes out to those people who are of such a cynical, worldly nature that they cannot set aside their cerebral traits long enough to fathom the positive spiritual potentials of God.

Golden Compass

I am about two thirds of the way through the book when I decided to watch the limited engagement sneak preview of The Golden Compass in theaters. I feel that the film exceeded my expectations regardless of the structure change made by the film adaptation. I was expecting the worse but a good one showed.

I wasn't sure what I was getting into, as there seems to be a rather large glut of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings wannabes crowding theaters now and in the near future. This version of the Golden Compass beautifully brings the books to life and was very pleasing to watch with rather nice visuals.

The story was changed moderately, but not too much to take away from the mood of the book, and was in no way detrimental to the flow of the story. Otherwise, this movie was a roller-coaster ride from beginning to end! The effects exceeded my expectations and were just plain amazing. The flow of the daemons in the film was almost completely convincing, however there were times when the speech of the animals had that typical 'computer animated falseness' that you see in the CGI cartoons. Other than some minor CGI blemishes, the realism is some of the most convincing I have seen! The polar bear is completely lifelike and the animal morphing I felt was simply spectacular and a site to behold.

The acting is quite good, especially from the young lead, and the animation makes one wonder what they can't do with computers these days. The only true complaint I have about this movie is that it is difficult to understand and follow if one is not familiar with the books. Some scenes at the beginning seems disconnected, but after the halfway point the story comes together. The Golden Compass series is rather dark in its nature, and I'm glad that the movie didn't pull any punches with the supernatural combat (which is awesome, specifically when the witches and bears do battle). Some liberty is taken with the story as expected, and many church references are renamed, but the quality of the story never suffers. I recommend the movie and I look forward to seeing the rest of the trilogy completed.

The flow of the film is very fast, which is a negative and a positive. While it really leaves us guessing or feeling unfulfilled in some of the crucial story elements, it also sets the pace for an exhilarating fast-paced adventure story that keeps you on the edge! The broad range of characters prevents the film from truly developing the characters that we really WANT to know. Since the book is a 3 part series, hopefully these characters will develop further in the next two films.

I must say that there were several parts in this film that surprised me, considering this is marketed as a family film. This is a dark film. This could frighten some small kids. I feel this film definitely belongs in the pg-13 rating, and might even be a bit much for a 13 year old for the more sheltering type parents. Not only can it be conceived as very violent, there are some very adult themes that could be considered questionable.

Overall, this is a film I would like to see again, and I am DYING to see the next film in the series. I walked out of this film excited, satisfied and wanting more. Might want to leave the young ones at home, but you won't regretting fighting for front row seats on a Friday Night.

Alvin and the Chipmunks

With little known plot, the story of when The Chipmunks get adopted by human Dave Seville (Jason Lee) and how they formed a musical group.

Alvin and the Chipmunks is an upcoming live-action/computer-animated film, based on the popular musical group the Chipmunks (and, in several ways, the animated series Alvin and the Chipmunks). It is being directed by Tim Hill and being produced by New Regency Productions and 20th Century Fox. It is currently scheduled for theatrical release on December 14, 2007. It is rated PG for some mild rude humor which is barely evident in the old cartoons.
No matter how often we berate you for your bad musical taste, whenever we post some piece of crap soundtrack (this one, this one) and a few others, you people of the internet (or you google users anyhow) seem to flock to them which makes us just want to throw up our hands in the air and quit (kidding, we love all you) living.

Anyhow, there's this 'Alvin & The Chipmunks' animated movie nightmare and (was part of our These Holiday Season Films Make Us Want To Wretch preview) and it's got those Christmas time songs in it that you'll remember from when you were a kid, and if voices of helium induced males turned into chipmunks ain't having a high marketting value, then you're wrong. Just be thankful we didn't post the updated modern rock version. That's cringeworthy like you don't even wanna know. So far no good when I saw the previews and the trailers. Eating poop is supposed to be funny??? Whatever, this is a shameless google bid, let's face it.

As much as I hated the bizarre hip-hop version of the Chipmunks from the poster, this hardcore lesbian version is a far, far more terrifying alternative.

Look at the chipmunks poster everywhere to see how their 'Disco Chipmunks' version somehow ended up a confusing amalgam of Saturday Night Fever, pregnancy, and pubic hair.