"Your friends...they don't know the danger"
This film is more drama than thriller, and is limited in the action, all the while confusing in the details and lacking the proper pacing. Though the initial set up is great, and the core message well delivered, the movie never really thrills or excites along the way.
What dragged me to this in the first place is the idea/premise which feels great and has a lot of potential to be an exciting blockbuster, (heck, even the trailer seems great), however it never really lived up to expectations, and takes the movie in a different direction instead. As a TV series, it might work, but as a movie, I believe it should have been more explosive and daring with the plot.
Rarely does the film thrill or is presented with dangers and suspense, instead it felt slow and focuses more on drama (kind of reminds me of Oblivion). The impact is that there are never really any action sequences that is exciting, which could have been so with a more daring plot. The idea has potential, and could even be expanded into a trilogy, if it dares to challenge and expand the story and issue into a more threatening danger.
The plot is designed to be thought-provoking, and it is, but most of the time the answers were not given, and it feels as if most are just left to the imagination. It was never clear in the details, hence I could never really understood the motive, what the AI wants, and what danger it possesses. Perhaps this is why the film lacks in thrill and suspense.
On a side note, the film did display some cool visual style, and it employs a strong cast to strike the emotions through. But it has poor characterization and narrative that never really sets the characters going. It has quite the emotional and touching ending, and the message was well delivered to audiences. The start was great, and the end was meaningful, but in between, there was never any fun and action (and thrill and suspense) to be had. The movie has potential, and it could be so much more, it just wasn't.
VERDICT:
Good: Cool visual style, Strong cast, Touching ending/message, Great idea/premise
Bad: Lacks thrill & suspense, Limited action, Confusing details
SCORE: 5.5
For the first time, there will be a two-part Spoiler Discussion here, simply because there are lots to talk about, at least in my mind...
Some warning though, Part 2 will be different as that one will require knowledge of the comics, and will be intended for comic book fans...
Don't worry, this one will only be based of what we see in the film...
### SPOILER ALERT!! SPOILER ALERT!! ###### SPOILER ALERT!! SPOILER ALERT!! ###
### SPOILER ALERT!! SPOILER ALERT!! ###### SPOILER ALERT!! SPOILER ALERT!! ###
"Finish the mission...cause I'll be with you til the end of the line"
(The most touching line in the film. How much more emotional can it be??)
Little Twist: The Winter Soldier is Bucky!
Well, there we go. This is the twist that is exactly as it is in the comics, so fans would have known. For movie-goers though, it may be different (unless you read the cast list). Now, I can't say how surprised film-goers will be when they saw his face...I even wondered if they would even recognize him. Yet, even for fans like me, I find it entertaining enough. Cap's reaction and Bucky's struggle afterwards is what sells it. Plus, every time they fight each other, there is that special feeling when you know these two are best friends and are equalling each other out. The fanboy inside me nearly exploded on the fight scenes between the two.
Big Twist: Hail HYDRA!
And this is the one where even fans may not have guessed. The idea of the return of HYDRA is a welcome one. While it is a bit radical to be taking it upon SHIELD, but for Captain America's world, it just fits. Arnim Zola being the computer like that is just as the comics intended. Though Winter Soldier never really worked for HYDRA in the comics, it probably is just a nice touch to do so here. And so is the fact that Zola is highly involved in the creation of the Winter Soldier himself. The only thing to look forward to from here, is that how does SHIELD and HYDRA go from here onwards. I mean, I'm pretty sure that's not the last we see of HYDRA, and with SHIELD in ruins, how is the future of the franchise and the TV series (Agents of SHIELD) going to be? Questions, questions, questions.
Oh, yes, and that Tony Stark's parents' death is somehow the work of HYDRA (as explained by Zola), well, kind of tied things up a bit more there...
Un-Twist-ed: Nick Fury's (Not) Death...
Well, I had my doubts throughout, but for some time there I really thought, yeah, maybe that was the end of the line for him. I tried to resist believing, but they took time before the reveal, so...well...I thought...you know...anyway, surprising or not, it is indeed a good plot line for the movie. His (not) death provided some push for the characters, while giving us the added suspense of not knowing who to trust. While his re-appearance gave us the relieve and gives Cap the team to finish the job, the people he can trust, or at least, rely on. Oh, and Nick's other eye is alright...wow...didn't see that coming (I don't suppose it is like that in the comics), so, from now on...no patch required.
Credits' Scene
The mid-credits scene was a great tease, showing new characters Baron von Strucker, Quicksilver, and Scarlet Witch. All these characters will appear in Avengers: Age of Ultron, so teasing them here is just sweet. Baron von Strucker as mentioned is apparently a part of HYDRA as well, but remains hidden, and he seem to plan something bigger than SHIELD & HYDRA. With Loki's sceptre in his hands, and the twins in captivity, we shall soon see his plan in motion when Ultron hits theatres next summer. And probably the future of HYDRA too??
The post-credits scene here is very short indeed, but is perhaps the most meaningful as of yet. Compared to previous ones in the franchise which only shows some funny random things, this one looked like it meant something deep and is based on what had happened in the film, and from this one, we may have Bucky learn the truth about himself and maybe turn good after this. Of course, it remains to be seen how the Winter Soldier will be featured in upcoming films, but this certainly is a good sign, isn't it?
And yes, there will still be a part 2 after this...but quick reminder again, that will require knowledge of the comics and will be aimed for comic book fans...
So, if you don't want to know about the stories in the comics (and hence potential storylines) then it is best to avoid it....
Summer starts officially with some of the biggest blockbusters of the year...literally!!
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (May 2-USA, Apr 18-UK, May 1-Singapore)
The hot early May superhero spot (which usually gets big bucks, after The Avengers and Iron Man 3) this time around is capitalized by The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Spider-Man is one of my favourite heroes in films, simply because he is fast, strong, agile, can swing (aerial), and can even shoot webs (range), giving him the versatility in the making of a great combination of action sequences with the capacity to take on many different kind of villains. Yet he is also interesting because he has very human issues in his personal life, and has the talent for making jokes and having fun along the way.
Furthermore, Marc Webb have proven himself worthy with the first film, and now this one seems to take another step further with more villains, exciting action, and uncovering more secrets of Peter Parker's life. And to top it all off, the first trailer for this film is simply one of the best ever (probably the best of the year so far, and awesome soundtrack too!).
Trailers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8MykckiOiU (Trailer #1) (Must See!!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW5u_y27LmQ (Extended Trailer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VkzArhVhIA (Final Trailer)
Godzilla (May 16-USA, May 16-UK, May 15-Singapore)
Literally one of the biggest films of the year, with people all around getting excited at witnessing the return of the giant lizard known as Godzilla. There have been good and bad films showcasing this entity (admittedly I have watched none of them), but as can be seen from the trailers, this one seem to take an angle of conveying the fears, destructions, and consequences of having this monster around. It really presses on how small & puny humans are compared to the power of nature, and whether we are in control of it, or the other way around. With some great casts in Bryan Cranston, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen, as well as trailers displaying some ferocious destructions, this may well be the biggest movie to look out for.
Trailers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECUbuBrbP1g (Teaser)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIu85WQTPRc (Main Trailer)
X-Men: Days of Future Past (May 23-USA, May 22-UK, May 22-Singapore)
One of my most anticipated film of the year, for 2 main reasons. One is that with the scale and depth of the project, with the old & new cast combining, as well as pioneer Bryan Singer's return, we can only expect high quality entertainment from this film. The other reason is the plot, which once again takes the X-Men requiring to join forces (even in the past) to stop a terrible force driving them towards extinction.
The X-Men films have never been like any other superhero films, not only because of the large number of super-powered characters, but also because they reflect social issues & minority discrimination that became the centre of conflict for many times in human history. Unlike Spider-Man or Iron Man that gets the celebrity status for being a superhero, the X-Men have always been outcasts, and more so than ever, they are on the verge of extinction with some powerful forces on their doorstep. With a very dark tone, and a very emotional plot, all before some promising quality entertainment and action, this will be my most anticipated superhero film of the year.
Trailers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK2zYHWDZKo (Trailer #1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6acRHWnfZAE (Trailer #2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsjtg7m1MMM (Final Trailer)
Note: In the end, the final trailer did show lots of light & humourous moments, which is always good for a blockbuster film.
Maleficent (May 30-USA, May 30-UK, May 29-Singapore)
A film based on the Disney villain Maleficent of the Sleeping Beauty story. The unique thing about this one, is that rarely does a film, especially coming from Disney, to take on the viewpoint and focus on the villain's storyline. It will be interesting to marvel again on the world of Princess Aurora, this time from an opposing angle. Furthermore, the cast is brilliant, with the amazing Angelina Jolie taking on the titular role. From the trailers, there has been some very promising visual treats for us. And given that this is one of the most famous villains ever, this surely will be something interesting to look forward to.
Trailers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=704EXbJ-b5k (Teaser)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pgmFAOgm5E ("Dream" Trailer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep7afV5wI_E ("Wings" Trailer)
Other Movies:
Chef (May 9)
-An intriguing comedy film reuniting Jon Favreau, Robert Downey Jr, and Scarlett Johannson...
Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return (May 9)
-An animation film, this time back on the world of Oz...
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN7xNSNsWGA)
A Million Ways to Die in the West (May 30)
-An interesting comedy film with a unique setting, and a bunch of great actors too...
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhmP8UYtipA)
"We build a vessel to survive the storm...we build an ark"
Benefiting from a strong cast and deep emotional ride with the characters, Noah is a surprisingly delightful epic despite the limited source material & the beliefs it had to keep. Initially it felt like a simple, straightforward film with excellent visuals, but even after the ultimate flood, conflicts are still stirring in the life of Noah himself.
In the midst of watching the film, I was admittedly surprised with the direction they took and the powerful conflict they presented. Based on the trailers, and even after watching it for nearly an hour, I thought this is a very simple story of Noah building an ark to save the innocents from the flood. I was wrong when the story took a dark and emotional turn, and the villain Tubal-Cain become the least of his problems, with conflicting ideals & beliefs continually being tested in the life of Noah and his family.
Along with the dark turn of events, the film highly benefited from strong performances by the cast, especially Russell Crowe & Jennifer Connelly, but even Emma Watson and Logan Lerman took me by surprise with astounding performances, as does Ray Winstone. All this, and equipped with strong visuals and Darren Aronofsky's brilliant take, makes it quite the wonder and a decent movie worth the price of admission.
However, it is not without fault. In fact, I was pretty much bored in almost the first half of the film, seeing things work out too quickly and implausible events happening (though perhaps I have to accept that this is a biblical story anyway). And the film does not have lots of action, with only one entertaining battle sequence with the six-armed stone angels. Nearly no humour at all, only to be filled with strong & dark twist in the drama. But it is in general a good movie with a very powerful message.
VERDICT:
Good: Great visuals, Strong performances by the cast, Dark & emotional plot
Bad: Boring first half, Limited action, Little humour
SCORE: 6.5
"Looks like you're giving the orders now, Captain..."
Putting The Avengers (which is an entirely different level of cinematic entertainment) aside, The Winter Soldier ranks as the best among the whole Marvel Cinematic Universe. With great action sequences, suspenseful moments, and emotional unravelling flow of events, this film strengthens Marvel Studios' status as not just giving quality entertainment, but also giving fans & audiences the thrill of cinematic experience, while also adding new dimensions to the easily predictable superhero genre.
The film starts a bit slowly by re-acquanting viewers with Captain America and his story, so it sets up the situation & emotion for the main plot. The first half an hour felt rather casual, but it didn't really matter when the remaining one and a half hour is full blast entertainment filled with action, drama & suspense. The action sequences are great, despite being less superhero-ish, employing hand-to-hand combats, gunfires, and shield bashing. So, after a specific event happening in about the half hour mark, the movie takes a turn, and suddenly Cap finds himself surrounded by enemies & shrouded by trust issues, and the suspense takes over.
The strongest aspect of this film is the unfolding plot. Now, Marvel being Marvel means there will be twists & reveals in between. For the sake of this review, I'm going to throw a bone and divide it into the little twist and the big twist. The little twist (comic book fans will know) is what accounts for the existence of drama, striking hard into the personal life of Steve Rogers himself. Meanwhile, the big twist is a game changer. It changes a big part of what we know in the universe, and brings in a bigger threat in place, thus changing the future of the cinematic universe.
On the little pieces, this film (as compared to others in the MCU) is the one which has the most connection to the other films, both past and upcoming. This film has drama flowing through in the personal life of Steve Rogers, and one good thing is that it didn't follow Thor: The Dark World's sense of humour (otherwise it would be a permanent identity of the franchise) but still manages to give audiences the laugh. And yes, this film has mid-credits scene and post-credits scene, and they are the best yet, so I highly recommend you to stay back until the very end.
On a side note, SHIELD being a major part of the film, introduces the sense of a political thriller and the vague concept of intelligence, which is what I previously mentioned as the extra dimension in this film. The soundtrack plays a part too. While not every minute of it is great, but when it needs to, it brings added suspense & thrill to the action. And with the help of it, the Winter Soldier's presence on screen is chilling and worthy of a mysterious yet ruthless villain. The fight sequences between Cap & Winter felt awesome, both physically & emotionally.
Note 1: I will be writing a spoiler-filled discussion in two weeks time.
Note 2: My claim is fixed: The Winter Soldier is now my favourite character in the Marvel Universe.
VERDICT:
Good: Great action sequences, Full of thrill & suspense, Brilliant unfolding plots, Decent soundtrack, New dimensions to the genre
Bad: Slow start
SCORE: 9.0
"You made a mistake choosing Dauntless...they'll find out about you"
Not quite the quality of The Hunger Games, but still have its own persona and unique setting. The story takes time to find its feet, and while the action sequences was great, the vast number of characters kind of put things in the mix for this decent young adult novel adaptation.
The world felt a bit weird and extreme at first, and it takes time before we can finally believe and be immersed in the world. Meanwhile, story-wise was great in the bigger picture, but the first half of the film was all about Dauntless and so it flows in a very narrow scope. Afterwards, the bigger picture is revealed, when we finally realize the significance of "Divergent" characters, and the scale of the conflict. That's when the story kind of takes a hard turn and get going for a full blast finale.
The vast number of characters makes it hard to follow most of the supporting characters, making things a little confusing, all the while making us less caring for them. Yet, this also means that we can kind of like the main protagonists. With all the different kind of characters, those we want to hate, those we don't care for, leaving us with the main protagonists to like and root for. This is perhaps the reason why we can care for them emotionally, despite the less emotional nature of the unfolding plot. The first half of the film has no drama for us to feel, while in the second, there was too much of drama where we end up getting lost emotionally (in the end, all I care about is the two main protagonists).
The visuals were great, and so were the action sequences, supported by a decent soundtrack with some very likeable themes as well. The villain of the film was interesting on its own & fresh for a new franchise like this, and the acting by Kate Winslet was also brilliant, but to be frank, they will need a more threatening & challenging villain if they are to up the stakes for the sequels (truthfully, it is well decided in the novels already, but given that I don't read them, I cross my fingers that the next villain will prove more challenging). The twist towards the end is interesting, and quite a nice touch as well. Meanwhile, the ending felt much too abrupt and unfinished, and it just begs of a sequel to come fast.
VERDICT:
Good: Great visuals & action, Decent soundtrack, Unique setting, Vast array of characters (mixed)
Bad: Takes time to find its feet, Abrupt ending
SCORE: 7.5
"We'll settle this behind the wheel!"
This is one of those clear cut action film which excel in its main goal (intense car racing) but kind of ignores everything else. Plot is straightforward & not emotionally driven, but is generally fun to watch and high in adrenaline.
So to begin with, the team proved their ability in making the action sequences feel suspenseful and look awesome at the same time. And you can really feel intensity of the crashes and the speed. Furthermore, it feels more special with the inclusion of hypercars like Lamborghinis and Koenigseggs for the races. It is the first film for a long time to have really, really powerful cars like these, and they are simply a joy to watch. A dream come true for car fans.
However, though, the plot is very much straightforward, and predictable enough. And while the use of humour is good and energetic throughout, the same could not be said for the drama. There is a genuine feel for some of the characters, but I would say it was not plot driven and instead mostly due to the brilliant acting by Aaron Paul, who was the only stand out cast. His portray of emotions & joy, along with the charisma he brings to the screen easily makes him the likeable action hero we want to root for, and so everything that happens around him kind of find its way to our hearts. I believe that after this people will remember him more than just a meth maker (Breaking Bad).
So, this is really an energetic and full of adrenaline action movie full of powerful, powerful cars, which makes it one worth the watch despite an ordinary plot.
VERDICT:
Good: Excellent & Intense car action, Beautiful inclusion of hypercars, Lots of humour, Great main character
Bad: Straightforward plot, Average supporting cast, Less emotionally driven
SCORE: 6.5
