Looking Forward: MAY 2015

My most anticipated film of the year...and 3 other big blockbusters...what a month it will be!!



Avengers: Age of Ultron (May 1-USA, Apr 23-UK, Apr 23-Singapore)

          I have been patiently anticipating this film since the title was announced two years back. The first Avengers film shattered records in the box office and still earns highly positive reviews by critics & fans alike. It even become an inspiration to many - to gather their heroes in the same universe and group them for the bigger battles - DC are doing this, Sony tried this, and even non-superhero franchises are attempting these.
          With my favourite band of heroes back, a brilliantly awesome villain in Ultron, the illustrious Joss Whedon at the helm, and some seriously awesome trailers to show for...words cannot even express my excitement for this film.

Trailers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1OKBqHICMQ (Trailer #1) (Must See!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MfA3xOmwRM (Trailer #2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CieuGZ7TthE (Trailer #3) (Must See!!!)


Mad Max: Fury Road (May 15-USA, May 14-UK, May 14-Singapore)

           With this film, I kind of understand its loud and comical tone, but I'm struggling to get a hold of what the plot is about. There are many kinds of post-apocalyptic films, and I'm curious to see how this one could bring about its crazy, explosive action sequences. I have not seen the original Mad Max trilogy, but I don't intend to change that (and maybe I could present my view as a younger, modern audience who wish to be taken into the franchise well with this film). Fury Road does have an exciting array of cast, and some action-packed trailers...and I'm on board for the ride to see what this film has to offer in an amazing month.

Trailers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdLl1GVjOrc (Comic-Con Teaser)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_4nzm9ICuo (Trailer #1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjBb4SZ0F6Q (Trailer #2) (Must See!)


Tomorrowland (May 22-USA, May 22-UK, May 21-Singapore)

          This film has been under a large veil of secrecy, until the trailer that came out not very long ago. After seeing the trailer, however, I did get slightly disappointed because I don't understand how the connection between Tomorrowland and the real world is. At one point it feels like a direct one (like when in the car), but at other times it looks as if it doesn't (like in George Clooney's character's house, and the dog). But I'm still holding that trust that I may be surprised when I walk into the theatre to watch this, because of Brad Bird (of Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol), of the great cast, and more importantly, some very promising visual effects.

Trailers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11fgwFAk3fk (Teaser)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWZ7O-RrATY (Trailer #1)


San Andreas (May 29-USA, May 29-UK, May 28-Singapore)

           I wasn't initially very excited with this film, but the trailers did show some exciting action sequences & visual effects. I had little interest with the plot, but the cast looks promising, and if they (along with the production team) could deliver, I may find this as another excellent blockbuster in an already excellent month for films.

Trailers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yftHosO0eUo (Teaser)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN1G4BSyIos (Trailer #2)


Other Movies:

Pitch Perfect 2 (May 15)
-A musical comedy sequel to the critically & commercially successful Pitch Perfect...
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=756ejgDY1bk)

THE GUNMAN

"You're the last real threat on the table..."



          I admit. I'm probably not as dissapointed as I thought I'd be because I came in with low expectations. Anyone hoping to get lost in the fun will be disappointed, but the film has its moments for people who has spare time to be filled with a dose of action flick. Brilliant actors and some slick fight sequences saves this otherwise boring and slow film.

          The thing with the characters here is interesting. They are fun, but they're boring. Sounds weird, but here's why. The actors were brilliant actors with their own unique style - Sean Penn, Javier Bardem, Ray Winstone... - you know these guys, and you like them. Myself, I can't stop smiling at Sean's handsome face and Ray's awesome accent. But the problem is, as characters, they become boring. They are dull, and you can't help not caring about them...because you just don't care. Especially Javier Bardem's character, who is more annoying than anything. It's just hard to understand or follow these characters, but the actors did ever so brilliantly with their style, so you enjoy seeing them do their thing.

          The only other thing likeable is some excellent action sequences. There are not a lot of these, and they are done in such a gritty and brutal way. But even in such grittiness and brutality, they are still slick and fast-paced enough to make them enjoyable, in the midst of the boring and dull plot.

          Apart from these two points, I find no reason to claim that this is a good movie. The pace is slow. The plot is straightforward survival mission, and you can hardly care for the characters, anyway. Lack of comedy (or even drama) makes the journey even less interesting than it already is. But it's not as bad as the critics say...there are some moments to be enjoyed, and some actors to be admired.

VERDICT

          If you have time to spare, and can afford a not-so-high expectation, this film may well be good enough, with some exciting action sequences, and some brilliant actors. Apart from that (and Sean Penn's admirable physique), I find no reason to recommend anyone of this film.

SCORE: 4.0

TV Review: Black Sails S2

The 10-episode second season of Black Sails (of STARZ channel) recently ended...and it was a vast improvement over the first...

Note: This TV Show is R-rated (Violence, Gore, Nudity, etc) - For 18 and above



          The first season felt very much straightforward, while the second season's plot turns corners for more times than I ever expected. But they were pleasant and surprising turns. Generally, this season has less action sequences, but the plot is so deep and interesting, and more importantly, character-driven - that it becomes interesting just to see how each character reacts to specific situations.

          There are some minor disappointments within, but its hard to explain without spoiling the fun. For now, just know that there was an exciting character that was gone way too soon. And the main plot progresses very slowly, as we cover a lot of angles from a lot of the characters - and some characters are less interesting than others.

           Otherwise, the plot is very intriguing & character driven. Maybe too character driven, that sometimes we don't agree with what the character (like the main protagonist) does, but it makes sense because that's how he should be. I could never root for one character for too long, and similarly, I could always like back the characters I once hated. This is a representation of how the plot takes turns & changes direction quite oftenly.

           It is already clear that the story here is generally picked up to be the prequel story of "Treasure Island" novel. Although it may well be never heading to the same direction, and it mostly never feels like it...but whenever a scene/event suggests that it is heading the same way the book does - the connection is pleasingly welcome.

          Finally, just to clear things up. Some episodes does have exciting fight sequences, but you cannot go into this show expecting to have fun from it. Meanwhile, the plot is constructed so brilliantly that it flows naturally and according to each distinct characters. The show progresses a bit slowly, but there is always that sense of reward by the end of every episode - and obviously, by the end of the season.

CONCLUSION

          General viewers may find it hard to remain attached to this brilliant pirate-themed show. But if you are comfortable with R-rated violence, etc, and are quite interested in the life of pirates of the 17th century, I do recommend catching up with this show, because I feel that season 3 next year is going to be a big one!

FURIOUS 7

"I don't have friends...I got family"



          Action-packed, humorous, and all the fun you can have in 2+ hours. But it won't leave you with a lasting impression (at least, it didn't to me). The touching tribute to Paul Walker by the end of the film is the only thing I find memorable. It's a great fun movie, mind you, but the plot is a bit messy and the villian lacks the impact unlike that of the previous film.

          I did say on my preview post that I fear that this film may be forcing it, in terms of the action sequences. And to a certain degree, I still maintain that statement. I can never really complain when action sequences like in Furious 7 are so awesome and fun as it is, and you can feel that the actors really put their heart & soul into these. As silly as it gets, it means a lot to these guys, and what becomes of it is some awesomely entertaining, loud, explosive action. And in terms of minutes, there's a lot of these as well. From start to end, the action never stops to take a breath.

          The humour was great all over as well, and it very much contributes to the action & dialogues as well. Roman (Tyrese Gibson) was especially funny most of the time, and I find them superbly hilarious. Although, it was a bit too excessive, and near the end, his humour gets a bit too predictable and dull. I suppose you can only do the same joke so far. But most of the time, I was having too much fun to care about it.

          There were easily setbacks to be found within this movie. The thing I find most disappointing is the plot that gets so messy by trying to fit too many things in. Particularly disappointing, is the main villain. Later on, I shall try to explain this with a spoiler discussion, but for now...just know that Jason Statham's character disappoints. He lacks the impact & intensity that Owen Shaw (Luke Evans) of Furious 6 brings. And this relates directly to the plot being a disappointing mess.

VERDICT:

          It's less than what I expected, and I can bluntly say that I still prefer Furious 6 any day. But it's a super fun movie from start to end, with all the explosive action & comedic humour. And I find it conveniently touching that the only thing I find memorable is the tribute to Paul Walker. And with the love of the fans, and especially of the cast, I can stand up and say this is a fitting send-off for Paul Walker (and Brian O' Conner).

SCORE: 7.5

Looking Forward: APRIL 2015

A rather quiet month, with just the one blockbuster I'm really looking forward to...



Furious 7 (Apr 3-USA, Apr 3-UK, Apr 2-Singapore)

          Never any doubt, was there? That this is going to be the one. Putting aside the tragic loss of Paul Walker, I've always liked the franchise, which has grown to become more than what the series started out to be. The story has changed and incorporated more family drama to it. Furious 6 has everything there is to like and everything the franchise is all about. Now, with a change of director, and the loss of one of the main star - my conviction of the quality of this franchise is slightly shaken.
          Furthermore, as exciting as the trailers may be, it only appear to show that the film tried to outmatch the previous film, which I fear may be the wrong move. Furious 6 struck hard because of flip cars, tanks, and planes. But going another level higher may be foolish. Besides, how much further can they go? Airdrops & skyscraper jumps may just be a little too much.
          It may yet be another exciting flick in the Furious franchise, and I certainly hoped it to be so. I just have that tingling sense that the franchise should have taken a different direction. And yet, the story of this one is built upon what happened in Furious 6, so I have a good feeling about the story.

Trailers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Yab0sXGEjg (Trailer #1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k94wBXeauao (Trailer #2)


Other Movies:

Child 44 (Apr 17-USA, Apr 17-UK)

          The film seem to be of the mystery murder genre. And they do have some exciting cast...but apart from curiosity, I don't feel like this film have anything specific to offer.

Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uia6y9SRsj4


Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (Apr 17-USA, Apr 17-UK, Apr 16-Singapore)

          A sequel to the comercially successful comedy Paul Blart: Mall Cop.

Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-EdqiuD2Jk

The Age of Adaline (Apr 24-USA, May 8-UK)

          A romance fantasy with a very curious plot, about this woman who have never aged after almost eight decades.

Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9-SnMldtGY

THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT

"Find them...every last one of them"



          Before I wrote this, I took a quick peek at what I wrote about Divergent a year ago, and I must say, what I wrote back then, feels like its responded/answered in Insurgent. Without spoiling anything, what I said about the weirdness & extremity of the world, is answered. About the villain, well it turns out that Kate Winslet's character is sticking around but the character works for the story. 

          And I mentioned that there's too many characters in Divergent, not in here...it's easier to catch on with the characters here. Finally, while Divergent's ending is abrupt and begs for a sequel, Insurgent feels complete by the end, and begs of no sequel, really (although there is one - well, actually two, in terms of movies...you know, the splitting trend).

          For most of the part of this movie, it feels generally like any other middle chapter. Picking up right where we left off the characters, jumping right into the action, progressing from one place to the other, one mission to the next. The characters have been well established, and there's less characters to follow, so we can connect more with them. And I have to say, surprisingly, I like Miles Teller's character - his allegiance is unclear and feels like a very multi-dimensional character, and provides a lot of the humour/jokes. (Now, I'm more confident of him in playing Mr. Fantastic in the upcoming Fantastic Four...).

          Now, meanwhile, the last half hour of the film felt very intense and there's a lot of revelation. So, while most of the film felt generically entertaining, the final act of the film is so intriguing and suspenseful, with a small almost-twist* in between, and a game-changing resolution to the act. It was a very powerful ending, but as I said previously, didn't really beg for more, as it feels like a complete ending on its own.

(* = short spoiler paragraph below the verdict)

VERDICT

          Both fans and non-fans should really be able to enjoy this. A decent film on its own. Apart from the intense final act, the film has nothing special to offer, but still entertaining, nevertheless - with some great action sequences, humour, and character. While not begging for the sequel to come soon, here's hoping it could follow up a good start by Divergent, and now Insurgent, too.

SCORE: 7.0


### SPOILER ALERT!! SPOILER ALERT!! ###### SPOILER ALERT!! SPOILER ALERT!! ###

          The almost-twist I'm talking about is when Tris seemingly died. Now, logically, it shouldn't be the case, because we all know the story has to continue to the sequel. So, the whole time, I was waiting for the already-expected twist to come out. But in that moment, I was momentarily shocked in what I'm seeing, and it still provides some suspense, and more importantly, intrigue, as to how the twist will play out. Not bad, though!

RUN ALL NIGHT

"A long night, huh, Jimmy?"

          Its not too hard to imagine that people would compare this to the Taken franchise...and from me, Run All Night has more substance in the plot, but lacks the smartness of the action sequences. It has that same feel of a Liam Neeson action flick we've gotten used to...but it still good enough for those wanting more of these.

          Its good because the plot is more character-driven. There's a lot more heart & drama between the characters, and you can always feel the intensity of what these characters feel, even the antagonist. It's not some glorified action flick, but whatever fight that had to happen, has a good, justifiable reason behind it.

          With all this, however, apparently they had to sacrifice the action. The fight sequences are less interesting & less clever, if you compare to other Liam Neeson action flicks. Its less dynamic in here, and more of a plain punch & shoot. Furthermore, what made it even less exciting is a good villain. The main antagonist (played by Ed Harris) is brilliant but never looked threatening and that's what this film is lacking. A threatening, terrifying villain (Mr. Price is not so).

          The tone is darker and grittier than most, and it fails to balance it with some humour. The tone could have been balanced with some humour and some exciting, dynamic action, but it didn't. The soundtrack was decent, and so was the direction. It's an action film that works and is good enough to fill the time, but won't be as memorable or as catchy as the Taken series.

VERDICT:

Good: Decent plot, Good substance & depth, Character-driven

Bad: Lacks dynamism, Minimal humour, Weak villain

SCORE: 6.0