In a lot of ways, this is a really, really good film. The characters are great, and the character dynamics are even better. The overall story is good, with a lot of humour throughout, yet it doesn't forsake the dramatic tension of the main plot. And the visual effects and the look of these magical beasts are, for lack of a better word, fantastic! The bits and pieces of connections to the original Harry Potter saga is just the icing on the cake...
The best thing about this film, for me, are the characters. Eddie Redmayne's Newt Scamander is a very unconventional yet likeable protagonist. And I like the fact that his character is one that feels more comfortable with creatures than with humans. Even more so when we get to see him have such relationships & interactions with some of his creatures.
And still on characters & relationships, I really like the team of protagonists that accompanies Newt in this quest (Kowalski, Queenie & Tina). Kowalski (Dan Fogler) is the surprise standout for me, and his character dynamic with Newt is brilliant. And even as this film doesn't focus on the romance, I can feel the relationship that develops between Kowalski & Queenie. And finally I just have to add that Colin Farrell is brilliant as always, and I really like his character.
The overall story is also very good. But J.K. Rowling is someone you will never bet against, anyway, when it comes to writing great stories. There is some really good fun humour throughout, and I really enjoyed them. But at some darker moments, I can feel the dramatic tension, too. The story really has the perfect balance of action, humour & drama.
Finally, my special credit should go to director David Yates and his visual effects team. I watched this film in IMAX 3D, and it looks spectacular. The look of these beasts are brilliant, and overall the visual effects are really well done, especially with the 1926 setting.
Also, with the IMAX 3D, the 3D effects were really put into effect. There are many moments when the objects or the creatures just jumps out of the screen and close into your face. The last time I felt such 3D effects would probably be in one of the Hobbit films, and they didn't even do it as much as David Yates did here. So, if you have the extra bucks to spare, I would actually recommend IMAX 3D.
If I have to nitpick, maybe I can (with some slight pacing issues, etc), but I don't really want to because I really enjoyed this film a lot. A perfect blend of action, humour & drama, and some spectacular 3D effects makes this a wonderful return to the wizarding world! Can't wait for the sequel now...
VERDICT: 91/100
Highly recommended. For Potter fans, a must watch!!
I don't really know too much of the Doctor Strange lore...so this will be less of a discussion of the story, but more of just some fun thoughts about the movie...
Still, SPOILERS below...
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Mid-Credits Scene
If you ask me about the scene itself, I'd say it looks a bit cheesy. For a second it almost looked like a spoof or a parody, in the way that both Strange & Thor are just sitting down casually and especially Thor with more of a casual outfit. Not to mention that glass of beer that just came out of nowhere and refilled itself. The way the scene is executed feels less professional...and without any context, it almost felt like a spoof. Especially as we recently had that Team Thor spoof from the blu-ray of Captain America: Civil War...
But anyway, maybe in the context of the movie, it will make more sense. Instead, my main takeaway from this scene is the likelihood that Strange will make an appearance in Thor: Ragnarok....to help Thor & Loki find Odin. Imagine that...Strange & Loki...Benedict Cumberbatch & Tom Hiddleston...two of Internet's biggest boyfriends showing up in character in the same film...licking your lips already, fangirls?
Doctor Strange or Sherlock?
Another thing I can't help sharing is the similarities I find between Doctor Strange & Sherlock (from the BBC Series). Well, first and foremost, they are clearly played by the one and only Benedict Cumberbatch...but more than that, both characters have similar personalities - in that they are both sort of arrogant, egoistic & a genius, too.
And that mid-credits scene I mentioned above...kind of reminds me of how Sherlock sits in his apartment in Baker Street as his client sits down opposite him sharing their problems and asking for his help. I suppose the only thing missing is a Wong to be his John Watson?
Speaking of which...Sherlock's Apartment v Doctor Strange's Sanctum: 221B Baker Street v 177A Bleeker Street. Feel the resemblance?
And finally, as a fun note, Benedict Cumberbatch has now come against both Mikkelsen brothers. Lars Mikkelsen (Charles Augustus Magnussen) in Sherlock and now Mads Mikkelsen (Kaecilius) in Doctor Strange. Maybe its now time for the brothers to team up?
The month of December not only holds some big blockbuster films...but it also where you can find a lot of movies running in for the Oscars. Kindly note that films like A Monster Calls or Live by Night will not be mentioned here, because they will only have wide release in the US on January 2017...
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Dec 16-USA, Dec 15-UK, Dec 15-Singapore)
This is it. This is the big one for me. I am super stoked about this film. This being a Star Wars movie should already make it one of my most anticipated film. But also, what I've seen in all the trailers so far made me excited even more. I thought I can't get any more excited about this film, and then that last trailer dropped - and now I am super excited beyond any realm of imagination. If that trailer had dropped last year, Rogue One may well be number one (or two) in my most anticipated movie of the whole year.
And really, the best thing about this film is the fact that it takes place just before the original Star Wars (A New Hope). And this makes it a feel like a true prequel and will surely have lots of scenes that connects it with the original film. And for any Star Wars fan who loved the original trilogy (basically, every one of us), this film will surely take us back to the moments & feels of the original Star Wars.
And to add on, the director Gareth Edwards is a brilliant director - and I love his visual style, and he knows how to play with scale - like that scene with the large AT-ATs in the first teaser trailer. And not to mention some brilliant cast which includes two of my favourite actors alive in Mads Mikkelsen and Ben Mendehlson. I am sure to watch this in IMAX the first time around...and then watch it again many more times. This is a must watch film - and for those of you not convinced...really watch the trailers of this film, especially the final trailer below!!
Trailers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKDdMAI-onI (Teaser)
(Must See!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyHweFaQw8s (Trailer #1)
(Super Cool!! Must See!!!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_Mr2XfpADo (Trailer #2)
Passengers (Dec 21-USA, Dec 21-UK, Dec 22-Singapore)
This film has a great premise, a great director (Morten Tyldum), and a great cast (Jennifer Lawrence & Chris Pratt). This isn't like a must-watch movie for me, but the above points definitely are reasons to be excited about it. To let you know, I'm actually one of those people who have had quite enough of Jennifer Lawrence in too many movies...but it doesn't change the fact that she's a terrific actress (when she's on her game). In any case, the premise is really interesting - with these two individuals suddenly awoken from their hibernation pods while still 90 years away from their destination in space. This is a really interesting premise, and the trailer do indeed convince me of that.
Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVXQq2u6OP0
Assassin's Creed (Dec 21-USA, Jan 1-UK, Dec 22-Singapore)
I am excited about this film...but not as much as I thought I would - for two reasons. Firstly, the film is told to be set 40% in the past and 60% in the present. But I don't really want to see the scenes in the present. The scenes in the past are the fun parts - being in an entirely different period & setting. When I played the games, I really dread the scenes in the present, and I immediately wish to go back to the setting in the past.
Secondly, the trailers. I mean they did show some very cool scenes - but the music that accompanies it...terrible. The musics are so off and doesn't fit the tone of the trailer. Now, I know that this is only the trailer and not the movie itself - but trailers are supposed to make me excited for the film. These one doesn't do that for me.
Trailers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2e6Oruy_fA (Trailer #1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pC2IjvLSKs (Trailer #2)
Other Movies:
First, we have La La Land (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbK-_dVgybE), a musical drama by director Damien Chazelle, who surprised a lot of people with his Oscar-nominated film, Whiplash. This film will have its wide release on December 16th. Still on the same day, we have The Space Between Us (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FjFJ5N2MjA) which carries a very interesting premise. Meanwhile, if you're looking for an animated film, Sing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_jxPEwJNeA) comes out on December 21st. And finally, we have Gold (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdLXPv5NsA4) that comes out on December 25th.
Top 3 Harry Potter films...
3. Deathly Hallows - Part 1
The main reason that this film found its way to my Top 3 is because this film felt different than any of the other seven. It follows these characters we've known for almost 10 years now, but in a different setting. We don't see them in Hogwarts anymore - in fact, we sort of go in a road trip with them. And this makes it feel special - to be in a different journey with characters we already love - its like going on a vacation with family having been living with them day by day at home.
Moreover, the film still has some special moments, and yes, a lot of humour. The scene in the ministry is one of them. And while sometimes I feel that the character conflict between our heroes feel a little bit forced...its nice to see some clash between them and a representation of how much of an acting ability that these young actors have developed since the first film. Overall, this film is a nice road trip film, but a very special journey to undertake with these heroes we've seen in school for the past 6 films.
Verdict: 84/100
2. Order of the Phoenix
This film is great in almost every way. It has great action, great drama, great humour - the whole deal. There is a political tone in the plot, and I like how our young heroes band together and discreetly train magic in a secret room in an attempt to defy the powers that be - and my, these scenes (or rather, the montage of it) is brilliant. And the scene with Fred & George's fireworks is another memorable moment. Not to mention the scenes where Argus Filch keeps on nailing new rules to the wall. Dolores Umbridge is a great character that everyone likes to hate. And the final sequence in the ministry is brilliant - it is not the biggest spectacle but it strikes the perfect balance between action & emotion/drama. This film brings out the best of the Harry Potter saga with no shortage of action, drama & humour. A spectacular film all around.
Verdict: 92/100
1. Prisoner of Azkaban
I used to think that Order of the Phoenix is the best HP film - but this film is, to me, a little bit more special. Firstly, this is the first film that expands the physical world of Hogwarts and makes use real world setting instead of CGI. And it makes Hogwarts feel a bit more lively & real and reminds more of those Scottish countryside. And that is just the start of it.
Alfonso Cuaron is a genius director and it shows in this film - especially with the Knight Bus scene which is a spectacular scene. And the whole film doesn't feel too stretched out like most of the other films in the franchise. With some excellent humour and intriguing plot peppered all around - the film is paced perfectly and is very interesting in every turn.
Now, speaking of plot - the best of it is the mystery surrounding Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew & Remus Lupin. It does feel a bit scary the first time around when you think about Sirius Black, and when you see Peter Pettigrew in that map...but then everything makes sense towards the end. And this film has one the most satisfying plot twist I have ever seen in film.
And to cap it all off, the time-travel scene was superbly done. It was perfectly done and it made everything make much more sense & satisfying. The build-up and the mystery throughout this film is excellent (and without compromising humour & drama), and it all ends with what is arguably one of the most satisfying resolutions I have ever seen in film. This is a spectacular film in any regards - and would have easily been my film of the year. Best Harry Potter film!
Verdict: 96/100
Here's hoping that the upcoming Fantastic Beasts film can deliver the same quality of story & spectacle as these Harry Potter films did...
A lot of the earlier Harry Potter films came out throughout my teenage days...from primary all the way to high school...and for most of that, I watched Harry Potter as a fantasy...and not so much as a film...
But, I have recently re-watched the whole saga, and I finally have more of an idea of how it is as a film. And below is my ranking of them from worst to best.
Also, none of these are bad films. Some are less special than others - but they are all good films, at least. And if I have one sentiment about the whole saga - is that they know how to pull of humour when they do. Some scenes are just spectacularly funny.
8. Goblet of Fire
This fourth entry has lots of cool stuff...and is even the first time we get to see main baddie Lord Voldemort. But, the film itself doesn't feel special in any way. It feels a bit predictable, and also a bit like a video game going from one task to the next. And probably the Quidditch World Cup that didn't happen is a prime example of why this film feels lacklustre. But there some very cool stuff in this film, and the main actors begun to show their acting chops really well....especially Emma Watson.
Verdict: 62/100
7. Chamber of Secrets
This second entry is a solid entry in the series. It also lacks anything special because it is not the beginning of the series but it is also not where all the major stuffs are happening. This film is more like telling us that this is what a year in the life of Harry Potter looks like. And another thing I don't very much like is how convenient the final battle/conflict is.
That being said, this movie represents the core of what the Harry Potter films are about. There is a mystery that our young heroes are trying to solve...and it is only near the end when all is revealed and starts to make complete sense. And this film also has lots of humour which I'm beginning to feel is one of the core elements of a Harry Potter film.
Verdict: 66/100
6. Philosopher's Stone
The first entry is a similarly solid entry. It introduces us to this magical world of Hogwarts and some very interesting characters, as well. Like its sequels, there are mysteries that happen in which our young heroes are trying to figure...and only at the end is the twist revealed. Come to think of it...Harry Potter films were using plot twists before it was cool (nowadays a plot twist is almost a necessity). This film is indeed a very solid introduction to a group of young heroes that we follow for 10 years on.
Verdict: 68/100
5. Deathly Hallows - Part 2
It is a decent finale for a spectacular saga. But given that the saga has been going on for 10 years now and has been spectacular throughout...a great ending doesn't seem good enough. It has its moments, and it has some very cool battle sequence which trumps any battle sequences of the franchise. And it has that very special twist/revelation of Professor Severus Snape - arguably the greatest undercover hero ever. However, everything else about the film is a bit predictable, and is very slowly heading towards that moment between Harry & Voldemort. There is nothing else notable that makes this film the special finale that the saga needs. But, it still remains a solid & good finale.
Verdict: 71/100
4. Half-Blood Prince
The first time around, I felt this film is a bit boring - especially considering the books has a battle sequence at the end (yes, I did read the book). But now I realize that this film has a lot more to it. And while the film was slow-paced, I think it really fits the tone of the film. And the tone is indeed quite dark but it is just what the film meant it to be. There are a lot of powerful scenes in the film, and I find myself surprisingly taken with this film, watching it this time around. But also, this film doesn't forsake the humour. In fact, it has lots of it - one thing that I just couldn't get off my mind now is the scene in the hospital wing when Ron was lying injured and Professor Dumbledore says "Oh, to be young, and to feel love's keen sting" - that and the look on Professors Slughorn & Snape says it all. That scene alone totally made my day.
Verdict: 79/100
Top 3 in the next post...
To say that this film is formulaic Marvel is a bit unfair...but it does tread along the tone & style of Marvel Studios' movies that came before. So much so that this movie is -like said Marvel films - a ton of fun. The visuals are striking & the action is cool. And they do not forsake character & plot. There really is nothing to criticise...
In a positive way, the visuals are striking. The visual effects team really did not hold back. I have to admit that there is a moment where too many things are in motion, and that got me out of focus for a bit. But most of the time...it is just a joy to behold. And all these brilliant visual effects plays out to enhance the action sequences. And the parts I like best is when the environment is made to shift/twist/bend - like when a corridor stretches, or the landscape turns sideways. Like I said...they do not hold back.
Now, in the spirit of Marvel, there really is a lot of humour accompanying this film. And the best thing of all - is that the humour usually comes from character or dialogue. It is the best kind of humour - one that feels natural & relatable. And which is why I can also add that this film does not forsake character & plot. The overall plot may feel a bit generic by now, but it works. And I like how they introduce us to the mystical side of the Marvel universe.
And like I mentioned above, there really is nothing to criticise about in this film. Even the drama is there when it needs to be. And while the music/score doesn't stand out, I enjoyed it and it works for the film. And even as the villain doesn't steal the show, I really enjoyed Mads Mikkelsen's charisma. And of course, Benedict Cumberbatch was excellent - and so was Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, and best of all, Tilda Swinton.
The movie does indeed tread along the tone & style of many Marvel films before, but what it also means is that it also is an excellent film & is a ton of fun to watch. A thoroughly entertaining blockbuster!
VERDICT: 81/100
An easy recommended - especially if you enjoy the films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Top 3 are...
3. Kingsman: The Golden Circle
Last year, Kingsman: The Secret Service took the world by storm. It was the surprise hit of the year, and brilliantly combines action, humour & plot into one cocktail of an entertainment. It is the very definition of a true summer blockbuster (even though it was not released in the summer). I loved the story (which has a lot of heart), but it was the action and the humour that really made it the beast it was.
Expecting this sequel to be as good as the first movie might be a bit too much to ask. But with the return of director Matthew Vaughn and actor Taron Egerton, along with some spectacular new cast additions (Julianne Moore, Channing Tatum, Jeff Bridges, etc), this film looks like it might just be the summer blockbuster we need next year.
2. War for the Planet of the Apes
The two films preceding this one was spectacular. Rise (back in 2011) surprised a lot of people (including myself) and it was very good. Then Dawn came (in 2014) and upped the game in every way. It had amazing characters being pitted against each other in a powerful plot with huge & deep emotional ramifications. It again surprised a lot of people (including myself) and it was easily my second favourite film of that year.
Now, director Matt Reeves is back and so is lead actor Andy Serkis - who has always been nothing short of excellent in his motion capture performance as Caesar. Like the film above, expecting this new film to be as good as the previous one may be a bit too much...but I do expect to see another strong & solid entry in the new Planet of the Apes franchise.
1. Star Wars: Episode VIII
Was there ever any doubt? Being the Star Wars fan I am, this was always going to be my number one. The Force Awakens was a magical film that kicked off this new saga...and even left us with so many more questions. So, yes, I truly can't wait to see what follows the staring contest of Rey and Luke. And not just our heroes - as I have always personally been a champion of the dark side - I seriously can't wait to see what happens next with Kylo Ren, General Hux, and that one dude called Supreme Leader Snoke.
And this being written & directed by Rian Johnson - with what I know of Rian Johnson - only puts in a better light. He will always put characters first over spectacle, and this is exactly what I want, especially when it comes to characters as interesting as Rey, Kylo Ren, and the lot. There is nothing more I could ask for than another magical adventure with these characters in the galaxy far, far away. And with Rian Johnson at the helm, I certainly believe we're up for so much more...
