IRON MAN 3

Our favorite Avenger is back and with a new and advanced look in this spectacular blockbuster...
*there will be a final section containing spoilers (after verdict & score), so if you haven't watch it, consider yourself warned



          Even after the hugely entertaining 'The Avengers' last year, Iron Man 3 didn't fail to keep up and brought in an amazing movie to watch. It gave a new look on the character of Tony Stark, and with brilliant action sequences as well as the humors throughout, this movie is the perfect blockbuster to kick start your summer.

          A major point about this movie is the new look and perspective on Tony Stark. Compared to previous movies, Iron Man 3 explored Stark's character deeper; more than the fun, talkative, reckless billionaire we knew but into his emotional, intelligent, and heroic-ish side as well. The character felt like a different Tony Stark, yet it was great to know more about the man behind the suit.

          The action sequences were great and very, very entertaining. I love the action all the way, and it also felt new. It was more than just the man in the suit attacking with various arsenals to take down the enemy (you will know what I mean if you have watched it). Tony Stark himself, and even Rhodey and Pepper, as humans, were involved in the action sequences.

          There were lots of humor and they were great throughout the whole movie. They kept the movie bright and fun, even during darker scenes. The plot wasn't great, but it was entertaining and the twist and turns made the movie more than what people thought it would be, and it had some elements that were very surprising that audiences would not have come to expect.

          The characters were cool, and important ones were properly introduced. The villains with the extremis looked visually stunning, and Killian's character was just amazing (he was perfect). The cast was great, and I have special praise for Guy Pearce for bringing Aldrich Killian to life and become one of my all-time favorite character. Robert Downey Jr was great in showing the other side of Stark, and Sir Ben Kingsley didn't disappoint with his convincing acting.

          The soundtrack was, not great, but decent, and I specially liked the one in the final battle scene, and the end credits as well. Other aspects like the directing was okay, not great though. I watched it in IMAX 3D but the 3D effect were not special. On a movie level, it was great, and summer (in movies) could not start with anything better. However, there are some points that may be an issue for true marvel fans (like me), as will be explained in the last section, however it will contains spoilers, so don't continue after the verdict, if you have not watched it.

VERDICT:

Good: New and advanced perspective (look), Great action sequences, Lots of humor, Amazing characters, Brilliant actors, Decent soundtrack.

Bad: -

SCORE: 9.0

*note: I did not give a score of 10 even though there were nothing bad with this movie. However the score of 10 are for exceptional movies there were outstanding in many ways that it deserve special commendation (such as The Dark Knight). Iron Man 3 was flawless, but it didn't have that special something to deserve a 10, but still, it was the perfect summer blockbuster.



###SPOILERS BELOW!!!###
###YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED###
###DO NOT CONTINUE IF YOU HAVE NOT WATCHED IT###

          As a marvel fan, and I'm pretty sure other fans will feel the same, there were some disappointments from this movie. One major thing is the Mandarin himself. As comic book fans we know that the Mandarin is Iron Man's biggest adversary and to make him, not just powerless, but a joke like this, is pretty much messing with what the fans believed in. It didn't feel right to have such an important character turned into some fake one like this. This will be such a big disappointment for true Marvel fans.
          Another thing to note, and this also applies to Iron Man movie fans as well, is that the movie seemed to go too far ahead, and by the looks of how the characters in the movie had developed by the end of the movie, it suddenly feel that it could be the movie that ends the trilogy (and maybe the Iron Man movie series). It was such a great movie, and to end it on a high like this would be great, in a cinematic perspective. However, as fans, we certainly want more of Tony Stark, and especially Robert Downey Jr himself. Movie critics tend to criticize on movies that were repetitive, however as fans, sometimes, we just want more of the same, more of Iron Man, really.
          But, this is out of our hands, so let us enjoy this movie that we have in front of us, and hope for a bright future in this beautiful Marvel Cinematic Universe.

###SPOILERS!!!###

Looking Forward: May 2013

Summer is coming with a bunch of big blockbuster movies to occupy our holidays with lots of epic cinematic experiences, and I have been looking forward to some of the biggest movies coming up soon...

The month of May starts with some of the biggest movies of the year with the next Iron Man movie and the Star Trek sequel, with several other potentially good movies to start this summer, with a bang!



Iron Man 3 (May 3-USA, April 26-UK, April 25-Singapore)

          This is the movie I have been waiting for the most this summer, and it's coming soon!! Myself being a Marvel fan makes it even more anticipated by me, and I will definitely watch this, even in IMAX 3D if possible. This movie has the potential to be one of the highest earning movie this year, especially after the record-breaking Avengers last summer. The trailer looks pretty cool and looks like this movie has a slightly different approach from previous ones. And 'The Mandarin' looks awesome. This summer batch of movies could not start with anything bigger than this!

Note: Will be released in May in the USA, but in many other countries, this movie will have been released in the final week of April...

Links for trailers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EjG-1U3wqA (Teaser)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke1Y3P9D0Bc (Trailer) (Must See)


Star Trek Into Darkness (May 17-USA, May 9-UK, May 16-Singapore)

          Another one of the biggest movies of this summer. I was especially stunned and amazed with the first movie back in 2009. And along with the highly positive reception it received, I will be coming into this movie with high expectations as well. And, from the trailers, they look epic. The second trailer was very cool, and the third one showed how deeply in trouble they will be when Kirk makes a mistake, as captain of the Enterprise. Oh, plus the villain looks pretty cool as well. If I can, I will also watch this movie in IMAX 3D, got to be worth it.

Link for trailers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diP-o_JxysA (Teaser)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhz4A5BCMAA (Trailer #2) (Must See)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAEkuVgt6Aw (Trailer #3) (Must See)


Fast and Furious 6 (May 24-USA, May 17-UK, May 23-Singapore)

          I have never been a big fan of the series, but given the last movie is pretty amazing, I will most probably go and watch this in the cinema as well. Looks to be in for a big show as all the cast returned including one Michelle Rodriguez whose character was thought to be dead. Looks like this movie will be in for a big showdown.

Links for trailers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKi5XoeTN0k (Trailer #1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZpc936_Hgo (Trailer #2)


Below are movies which are potentially good and/or looks good in the trailers, but perhaps due to my limitations, and my not so enthusiastic approach to these movies, I will simply list them down below:

The Great Gatsby (May 10)
-is a drama, although it looks good...

Epic (May 24)
-another animation by Blue Sky Studios, but I guess I will look at the reviews before deciding to watch this in the cinema...

The Hangover Part III (May 24)
-although a big comedy franchise, but I've never been a fan of these films...

Now You See Me (May 31)
-looks cool from the trailers, but I will also need to see the reviews first...


Note: I put in the release date of USA and UK as they are the two biggest countries in the industry, and also Singapore, because that's where I currently reside...

OBLIVION

A rare experience in a splendid crossover between drama and science-fiction...



          Oblivion is a rare breed of movies as it incorporates science-fiction to a drama, or the other way around. It is not the typical science-fiction for kids and teens to enjoy, instead this movie can be regarded more to 'drama' than to 'action'. However, the potent mix with drama brings a rare experience in the cinema to enjoy.

          One key point I like to note about this movie is that it is more 'drama' than 'action'. There were not enough action sequences for this to be claimed an action movie, and yet it wasn't even that interesting. Bullets and lasers flying in a battle between mere humans and big bad drones (which are hard to kill) are not fun to watch. Granted, you can feel the suspense, but not interesting to watch. 

          Another thing I also like about the movie is the plot, especially in the way it is brought. Okay, maybe the plot is arguable, however I admit that I like the overall idea of the plot. But most of all, I like the way it is brought. 

         We started the movie with a narrow point of view (in the eyes of Harper), however as the movie went on, more and more revelations came into place and then we could begin to see the big picture. It is really an entertaining aspect of this movie. 

          Some, like me, may even be surprised by the revelations (as we don't come to a sci-fi movie expecting complex plots & surprises). This is why I find the movie a splendid experience.

          Several other positives to note are the well designed soundtrack, which really added the suspense, as well as the decent cast and acting (special praise to Mr. Cruise, who never disappoint me in any of his movies). The only thing lacking is the proper action sequences, and also there was little humor in the movie. The tone of the movie felt too serious.

VERDICT:

Good: Brilliantly brought storyline & revelations, Decent plot, Some suspense, Good soundtrack, Great cast.

Bad: Dull action sequences, No humor.

SCORE: 8.0

G.I. JOE: RETALIATION

similar to its predecessor in many ways, but improved to produce a much better movie to watch...

          G.I. Joe: Retaliation is to be specifically praised for its astonishing action sequences. The drawback is on its unclear and linear plot, however the humours and fighting scenes are able to leave audiences smiling after watching this movie.

          The best thing about this movie is its astounding action sequences. The advanced technologies in the movie made up some very cool scenes to watch. Excellent sound effects also played a big role in making the action sequences alive, especially in the sword fighting scenes. The scene in the Himalayas is my favourite. The cool blade swing and clash sound effects disregard the need for further background music, and the directing of the action scenes are to be commended as well.

          The 3D effects are well presented and fits in perfectly with the movie. Without the 3D, the movie may seem slightly less interesting. The use of slow motion effect is also brilliant, although its used a bit too often and tends to become repetitive, but the way it is used is brilliant with proper timing of slowing down and zooming on objects.

          The humours in the movie are laughable enough and keep things interesting. Also credit to the great cast whose acting are to be praised, especially in Adrianne Palicki (Lady Jaye), Jonathan Pryce (President), and Lee Byung-Hun (Storm Shadow). The characters are also great and very distinct individually, but sadly the movie did not focus too much on them, hence we can only understand the characters along the surface.

          The plot and storyline is a bit unclear in the way it is brought, and the overall plot is too linear. There is obviously a clear line between good and evil, leaving not many surprises to come. There is not much depth on the story, and the radical change in characters is perhaps too quick and unexplained (although it is pretty obvious it has to do with the real actors), however I believe that the new characters are much better than the old ones, so its good in that aspect. I just hope that these characters will appear in the sequel, should there be a next one.

VERDICT:

Good: Cool action/fight sequences, Excellent sound effects, Good use of 3D & slow motion effects, Laughable jokes, Great characters.

Bad: Unclear storyline, Linear & simple plot, Less depth in characterizations.

SCORE: 7.5          

A Proper Sci-Fi Movie...

Jack the Giant Slayer
SCORE: 7.0 / 10



          A proper science-fiction movie. A key point I would like to note about this movie is that it is able to bring the thrill & suspense to audiences. The cast was great, and the humor was enjoyable. Though the plot is not surprising, but the way the plot is brought is satisfying. Really, a proper sci-fi.

          I have to say that Bryan Singer did well and it was a greatly directed movie. The giants were terrifying enough and with the way they move and fight, really makes the humans seem puny. The movie makes us able to feel the thrill and suspense of the scenes (like when the giants chase down the humans on horses).

          The plot is nothing new and surprising, but the way it is brought is great. Starting with only words of legend, then with a few humans encountering a few giants, leading to the battle between giants and man. A really smart way to introduce the giants. And the fights and battles is just good enough to satisfy the sci-fiction action lovers.

          Finally, the amazing cast are also brilliant in bringing the characters to life. Although some lacks characterization, but the actors were great and make us able to feel their character. You can always see a trick in Roderick's eyes, and Elmont is just likeable. All the actors did a proper good job, and the humor was satisfying and really makes the movie not boring at any time.

          A very well done movie. Apparently I think it may lack some box office revenue due to a March release. But it is genuinely a great one, and definitely worth watching. A proper science-fiction movie.

A Not So Good Movie to Die Hard...

A Good Day to Die Hard
SCORE: 2.5 / 10



          This movie fall beyond my expectations. In one sentence, it's just not good in every way except for Bruce Willis himself. Otherwise, everything else is just not satisfactory enough. A potential candidate for the worst action blockbuster movie of the year, sadly.

          The only positive thing I can find is really, Bruce Willis, himself. Given the brilliance of its predecessors, this movie is a free fall in the series. The story is rather boring, the villains are not cool, intimidating, or even threatening, the humor is bad (other than Willis'), the duration is short, the action is dull, and just pretty much everything you don't see coming from a 'Die Hard' movie.

          Looking back at the previous two movies, the villains in Jeremy Irons' and Timothy Olyphant's character had total control. In the third movie, Jeremy Irons' character had McClane (Willis) running around as if being played with, while he simultaneously went on with his plan, leaving McClane with little hope of victory. Same goes for the fourth movie, where Olyphant's character had all the cyber technology to play around with the traffic, the streets (remember the one in the tunnel, very spectacular scene), etc, and just had total control from his base. In the fifth movie however, there was no intimidation from the villain, and no threat compared to the previous two, and the movie was all about shooting, bombing, wrecking, explosions, crashes, but no sense of complexity at all. Very dull indeed. And the fact that the villain was Russian makes it too mainstream.

          And Jai Courtney's character as John McClane's son is utter nonsense. The way he called his dad by name is just rubbish. No character can boss around Willis' character and I just felt disgusted with the way he seem to have done that. The character was a failure to portray a proper John McClane son. And then there is the bad humor. All the humor on the movie was forced upon and didn't seem funny, except when it came from Willis himself. There was also this issue with the shaky handheld camera throughout, it was very annoying. Topped with some boring and predictable story, very dull action sequences (only full of shooting and wrecking), and an un-creative plot & no lively characters at all, this movie just ruined my expectations, and is very much a potential candidate for the worst action blockbuster movie.

          I was going to mention the very short duration, but given the quality of the movie, that may turn out to be positive after all. Honestly, it was all Bruce Willis that had made the movie watchable. His performance was great and he really gave it his all, even when the remaining cast failed. If I were Willis, I would have rejected had I seen the script would be this bad. Nevertheless, it was probably his devotion to the series, and it will probably because of him if the movie managed to earn some success in revenue.

Best of 2012 (My Version...)

BEST OF 2012

          With all the awards coming up, including the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards (which just passed), I think maybe it's time for me to sound my own list of top movies of 2012, in my view and in the scope of my own limitations.

          I will begin by stating my top 10 movies of the year, excluding movies I haven't watch which I will mention further below as potential candidates. Following that I will include the best movies of several genre, and due to my personal choices of movies and limited resources, I will have to alter the genres into 5 only: Action, Action Science-Fiction, Action Superhero, Animation, & Comedy-Drama.

Top 10 of 2012:

1. The Dark Knight Rises
2. Skyfall
3. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
4. The Amazing Spider-Man
5. The Avengers
6. Hotel Transylvania
7. Madagascar: Europe's Most Wanted
8. Brave
9. The Expendables 2
10. Men In Black 3

Potential Candidates:

1. Cloud Atlas
2. Wreck-It-Ralph

Action:

Skyfall

Action Science-Fiction:

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Action Superhero:

The Dark Knight Rises

Animation:

Hotel Transylvania

Comedy-Drama:

This Means War

          As the genres had to adapt to my style of movies, by 'action' I mean the action that is not out of this world, and the winner had to go to "Skyfall". Certainly the best action movie of the year, it had brought something special to celebrate the 50 year of Bond movies. "The Expendables 2" was fresh but not enough to challenge "Skyfall", who also rightfully place second in my top 10.

          As you can guess, 'Action Science-Fiction' just had to be Sci-Fi and out of this world, and the world I am totally impressed by is the world of Middle-Earth in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey". The likes of "Men In Black 3", "John Carter", "Resident Evil" didn't even came close, so it was quite clear that the victor goes to "The Hobbit".

          Now, there is no question with this genre, as it's obviously a 'Superhero' movie, and yet there are many challengers this year. "The Amazing Spider-Man" was a great reboot with brilliant action sequences and story, and "The Avengers" succeeded in bringing a band of heroes together in one fun plot, but "The Dark Knight Rises" just did something no movie (except perhaps "LOTR: The Return of the King") ever done before, is to end a trilogy and a legend with such brilliance that it took my breath away. It totally deserved to be the Best of 2012.

          This genre is pretty interesting as it had many, many challengers. Lots of great animation movies, including those I haven't watched namely "Wreck-It-Ralph" and "Rise of the Guardians". "Madagascar" did great with another movie yet seemingly very much fresh, while "Brave" continued the Disney legacy with another all-round spectacular movie, but I have to give the slight advantage to "Hotel Transylvania", as its idea of a movie is very new and fun and very much entertaining, and that is why I came to like animation movie (by its creativity).

          Finally, for 'Comedy-Drama' genre, I haven't really watch much of those yet, but I do realize the potential of "Cloud Atlas", but since i have not watched it, it wouldn't be fair for me to place it there. However I take credit for one movie I have watched named "This Means War". It is considerably good thanks to its creative idea, humorous scenes, and fascinating actors too.

           And there goes the movies for 2012, and here we are now in 2013, and I am already sniffing the potential movies of 2013 which I will go to watch, and yes, there are lots of them. Happy New Year 2013 everyone, and keep watching movies!!!