The Spirit

Times Watched: 1
Watched With: Mr Baps Saigon & Mr Jab @ Eng Wah Toa Payoh (27/12)
Snacks: Peanut M&Ms & Coke
Hidden Scene After Movie: None

"My city screams. She is my lover, and I am her Spirit."

Denny Colt (Gabriel Macht) was a cop who was killed in action. But somehow he was brought back to life and vowed to his police captain Dolan (Dan Lauria) that he would continue to protect the city as best he could.
And he would do this in the guise of - The Spirit.

Somehow The Spirit cannot be killed or stay injured.
Traits shared by only one other person - his arch-nemesis The Octopus (Samuel L. Jackson).
Somehow the two share a dark common secret.
And together with his right-hand woman Silken Floss (Scarlett Johansson) and his accidental imperfect clones, The Octopus has set his sights on killing the Spirit once and for all.

The Spirit in the mean time has a tough time staying true to his beau Dr Ellen Dolan (Sarah Paulson) (whose father happens to be the police captain) what with his roving eye for beautiful women.
And things do not get any better when old flame Sand Saref (Eva Mendes) reappears after a long absence.

So what exactly is the secret that The Spirit and The Octopus share?
And why is Sand Saref suddenly back in town?

Well I'll be honest this movie was disappointing.
I was expecting so much especially since it was directed by Frank Miller aka Mr Sin City himself.
But I think that's exactly the problem. Miller tried to so hard to make this movie in the same mood and style as his Sin City masterpieces. Very nice.
But let's face it - The Spirit cannot match up to Sin City.

Yeah sure there's lots of eye candy.



and be sure to look out for Paz Vega as Plaster of Paris and Miller's current muse Jaime King as water nymph Lorelei Rox.
But I'm sorry. Even Scarlett Johansson and Eva Mendes could not save the movie.

But what did make it worthwhile?
Getting to see the genius Samuel L. Jackson in his element.
And by element I mean dressed up as a samurai and a Nazi general.
Yes. Samuel L. Jackson as a Nazi general.

Well this movie was okay. Pretty fun.
But let's face it Franky if i wanted Sin City then I'd watch Sin City.
Cos Central City just can't cut it as well.

Final Verdict:

Yes Man

Times Watched: 1
Watched With: Mr & Mrs Porno and Miss Q @ GV Vivo City (20/12)
Snacks: Popcorn Mega Combo
Hidden Scene After Movie: Yes

Yes!

Carl Allen (Jim Carrey) is your average negative guy.
He's been working at the same bank as a loan officer under his boss Norman (Rhys Darby). His negative attitude starts to affect his friends Peter (Bradley Cooper) and Rooney (Danny Masterson).
In fact, saying no to everything has even cost him his marriage to his ex-wife Stephanie (Molly Sims).

But a chance meeting with old acquaintance Nick (John Michael Higgins) leads his to go to a self-help seminar conducted by Terrence Bundley (Terence Stamp).
And it is here that he is converted to being positive and he even makes a promise to say "yes" to every opportunity that comes along no matter what with the premise that this will lead to better things in life.

And when saying "yes" leads him to new love interest Allison (Zooey Deschanel), Carl starts believing in himself and more importantly - the power of the word "YES"!
So he says "yes" to everything including helping the homeless, learning Korean and even errr helping out his errrr elderly errrr neighbour.

But is saying "yes" the real reason everything is suddenly going right for Carl?

I haven't laughed so hard in quite awhile.
This movie was based on a book written by a guy who actually said "yes" to everything for 6 months.
And i know the idea sounds ridiculous but this was actually reallyy funny.
Jim Carrey is definitely looking but bloody hell he's still funny as shit.

Should everybody go watch this movie?
YES!

Final Verdict:

Pride And Glory

Times Watched: 1
Watched With: Nobody @ The Cathay (19/12)
Snacks: Cup Corn & Green Tea
Hidden Scene After Movie: No

Was this a book?

Ray Tierney (Edward Norton) is a cop. In fact so is the rest of his family.
His dad Francis Tierney Sr. (Jon Voight) is a senior officer, his brother Francis Tierney Jr. (Noah Emmerich) is a CO for a precinct and his brother-in-law Jimmy Egan (Colin Farrell) is a sargeant.
Together they all serve the city's finest - the NYPD.

But when four officers under Jimmy's command are seemingly executed, it leads to a massive manhunt for drug dealer Angel Tezo (Ramon Rodriguez).
Ray is asked by his father to lead a task force for the operations but Ray's investigation seems to lead to his sister Megan's (Lake Bell) husband Jimmy and his fellow officers under his command Eddie Carbone (Frank Grillo), Kenny Dugan (Shea Whigham) and Santiago 'Sandy' (John Ortiz).

Is Jimmy really a dirty cop?
And if so can Ray possibly do anything without tarnishing the reputation and values upheld by his family and the police force?

I was so looking forward to this movie.
With such a stellar leading cast I has assumed that this was going to be a pretty gripping movie especially since it had such an interesting premise and all.
But i'm sorry to say it was quite disappointing.

The acting was good enough though.
Colin Farell once agains plays the badass to perfection.
Director kind of sucked though.

And i haven't checked yet (surprisingly) but I think this movie might have been a book before being adapted for the big screen.
And if it was not then they should consider making it one because this is one of the rare movies that I think I would have preferred to read rather than to watch.

Final Verdict:

Ip Man

Times Watched: 1
Watched With: My Dad & My Brother @ Cathay EHub (18/12)
Snacks: Green Tea
Hidden Scene After Movie: No

sap sap sap sap sap sap sap sap sap sap sap sui!

It is the 1930s in Fo Shan - a city rich with kung fu heritage.
Several kung fu schools operate within the city and almost everyone is trying to learn the martial arts because it is simply a way of life in Fo Shan.

But amongst all the kung fu masters and their schools, there is one man.
Ip Man (Donnie Yen) is undisputedly greatest kung fu master in the city and his Wing Chun style is known and respected by everyone.
But Ip Man does not take in any students out of respect for his wife's wishes.
But he is called upon from time to time to uphold the honour of the city against all challengers including bandit Jin (Fan Siu-Wong).
And he is a simple man and kind enough to help old friend Quan (Simon Yam) with a loan to start a cotton mill.

But war breaks out in China and the Japanese have invaded Fo Shan.
Ip Man is forced to live a simple and obscure life not even getting the chance to practise his beloved Wing Chun anymore.
But when Japanese General Miura (Hiroyuki Ikeuchi) forces Ip to once again display his martial arts prowess against the Japanese as a challenge, Ip Man has no choice.

Holy shit. Steve Seagal step aside.
Donnie Yen has been in the movie business for a long time but he was never really recognised. But maybe now he will be.
I swear this guy's hands are definitely faster than Seagal's.
Just check out the trailer if you don't believe me.

This loose biopic is based on the legendary teacher of Bruce Lee.
Sure some thing have been exaggerated but my research says that this movie has some pretty accurate facts.
Sammo Jung is the fight choreographer and i have to say that the plentiful fight scenes in this movie are really super solid. Definitely make the movie worth watching.

Watch this movie. And then buy the DVD.
My brother says this is one of the best movies of the year.
So it MUST be good right?

Final Verdict:

The Day The Earth Stood Still

Times Watched: 1
Watched With: Mr Baps Saigon & Mr Tank @ The Cathay (14/12)
Snacks: Kacang Rebus & Root Beer
Hidden Scene After Movie: No

Helen Benson (Jennifer Connelly) is a brilliant astrobiologist who lives with her stepson Jacob (Jaden Smith).
All is well but when a biological alien-like sphere suddenly descends in Central Park (and several others like it at other locations), Helen and other scientists are summoned by the government to help shed some light on the situation.

And from the sphere comes Klaatu (Keanu Reeves) - an alien who has come to save the earth from impending doom.
He requests and audience with the world's leaders but is rejected by US Secretary of Defense Regina Jackson (Kathy Bates).
Klaatu then warns that the earth is in danger and this is regarded by the government as a statement of intent by Klaatu and his race that they intend to stage an alien invasion on earth.

Helen believes otherwise and she thinks that Klaatu comes in peace. She and other including Dr. Michael Granier (Jon Hamm) and Professor Barnhardt (John Cleese) try to persuade Klaatu to shed more light on his mission to 'save the earth'.

So what exactly is Klaatu and his race here for?

This is a remake of a 1951 movie.
Although the basic premise remains the same, many elements have been updated to suit modern-day storytelling.

I guess this movie was pretty entertaining.
The beginning was pretty suspenseful and after awhile it tends to get a bit draggy. But special effects like Gort and the nanbots were pretty cool.
And people always say Keanu Reeves is an actor who is monotonous and emotionless. Well I think he is perfectly suited for this role then.

But I really felt like smacking that little kid.

But wait for the DVD people.

Final Verdict:

Twilight

Times Watched: 1
Watched With: Miss Hana @ GV Plaza Singapura (12/12)
Snacks: Famous Amos Cookies
Hidden Scene After Movie: No

Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) moves to a small town in Washington to live with her town sheriff dad Charlie Swan (Billy Burke) after her mum remarries.
Bella does not have much trouble blending in and making new friends at the new school. Until she meets the Cullens.

Alice Cullen (Ashley Greene), Jasper Hale (Jackson Rathbone), Rosalie Hale (Nikki Reed), Emmett Cullen (Kellan Lutz) and the dark and ever-broody Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson).
They are all adopted children of Carlisle (Peter Facinelli) & Esme Cullen (Elizabeth Reaser)
It just so happens that Bella falls for Edward.
And of course things get complicated because - they're all vampires.
But supposedly good 'vegetarian' vampires who feed only on the blood of animals. And unlike traditional vampires - sunlight does not bother them. Much.

But when a group of nomadic vampires led by psycho James (Cam Gigandet) and his equally-psycho girlfriend Victoria (Rachelle Lefèvre) come around town, this get a little.. well... bloody.

This movie was based on the best-selling teen novels series written by Stephenie Meyer.
Think of it as... the new age Buffy. But more mushy.

And not to say I did not enjoy it. But i know I'm in the wrong movie when every time the lead actor comes on-screen, 3/4 the theatre goes "oooh" and "aaah" and starts giggling. seriously.

I love the whole vampire mythology and all but this was NOT a vampire movie. It was actually a teenage love story.
So i don't know if it's just me getting old but this was actually a movie that was not targeted at my age group i reckon.

Final Verdict:

Zack & Miri Make A Porno

Times Watched: 1
Watched With: Miss Q @ GV Vivo City (11/12)
Snacks: None
Hidden Scene After Movie: Middle of the Credits

Zack Brown (Seth Rogen) & Miriam "Miri" Linky (Elizabeth Banks) are roommates who have known each other since they were in the first grade.
Now they've grown to be really good friends who help each other out in terms of rent and bills.

And even so, they are now facing a mountain of debt.
But after meeting old classmate Bobby Long (Brandon Routh) and his lover Brandon (Justin Long) (who just so happen to be gay porn stars) at at highschool reunion, Zack & Miri come up with the extreme idea of making an amateur porn video that will earn them the cash they desperately need.

So they enlist the help of Zacks' buddy Delaney (Craig Robinson), actor Lester (Jason Mewes), strippers Stacey (Katie Morgan) and Bubbles (Traci Lords), cameraman Deacon (Jeff Anderson), Barry (Ricky Mabe) and of course Zack & Miri star in it themselves.

But things obviously get a little complicated.
So can the pair succeed in filming their porno?

I am such a big big fan of Kevin Smith.
His previous movies Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back were set in what he calls the View Askewniverse and were fucking funny as shit i tell you.
But his past few movies were not set in the same series and tended to bomb both in the box-office and with his own fans.

This movie was pretty funny. Mostly because of the crude sex jokes.
I guess it is pretty predictable but it's still fun to watch nonetheless plus it does have real-life porn legends Katie Morgan & Traci Lords in it.

But if you ask me, Kevin Smith seems to be having a problem letting go or breaking apart from his old movies.
He says he wants movies set apart from the View Askewniverse but he includes actors like the fuckingly awesome Jason Mewes (aka Jay) and even Jeff Anderson (aka Randal the clerk).
If he wants to make a good funny movie with good funny actors then just go ahead and do it. don't need to beat around the fucking bush and end up making a movie half-fucked with actors whom you know are better than that.

Watchable. But I hope Smith goes back to his roots.
Soon.

Final Verdict:

Quarantine

Times Watched: 1
Watched With: Nobody @ Cathay EHub
Snacks: 100 Plus
Hidden Scene After Movie: No

This is an American remake of the Spanish movie [REC].

Angela Vidal (Jennifer Carpenter) and her cameraman Scott Percival (Steve Harris) are with a local TV station who're filming a variety programme.
And the lucky assignment? To tag along with the local Spanish firemen as they go through their nightly routines.

And just their luck - they get a call.
So Angela & Pablo follow firemen Jake (Jay Hernandez) & Fletcher (Johnathon Schaech) to a building in town to rescue a woman trapped in her apartment.

But there's more than meets the eye and what was supposed to be a routine call turns out to be more like a zombie fest as people start dropping like flies (literally) only to return to life just to eat other people.
And to make it even better - the government decide to seal up the whole place to contain a potention outbreak rather than rescue the people in the building.

Can Angela and the rest of them survive?

That's right. The above was a word for word copy and paste of my review for [REC].
That's because this was an exact plot remake.
Differences? Well firstly this movie does not induce vomitting and headaches like its Spanish counterpart because even though there is shaky camerawork, you don't have the added hassle of reading any subtitles.

The fact that there were a few familiar faces involved was also good.
Look out for Yuri (Rade Serbedzija), Lawrence (Greg Germann), Sadie (Dania Ramirez) and even the cameraman Scott is played by that fish-lips black lawyer from The Practice if you remember.
And the fact that there are more characters in this movie means that there are added elements and character developments not seen in the original movie.

And to be honest (and yet not completely spoil it for all of you) I have to admit that this movie looked like it was going a different direction for awhile.
It actually appeared like the explanation for the whole movie was going to make more sense this time!
Well. It appeared so anyways.

And maybe it was because I watched the original so I could kinda guess what was going to happen next so i didn't find it as scary or jumpy as when i watched the Spanish movie. But i reckon if this movie is your first watch then maybe you might find it a bit scary too i guess. Maybe.

But still i say it's slightly better than the original.
Only slightly though.

Final Verdict: