Sex And The City

Synopsis (with info from Sex And The City Movie).
Based on the popular 6 episodes TV series of the same name, this movie stars fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker as the successful author, Carrie Bradshaw. She's living in New York City with 2 of her girl friends - the happily married Charlotte (Kristin Davis) & workaholic lawyer Miranda (Cynthia Nixon). Her other friend, Samantha (Kim Cattrall) lives in LA with her actor boyfriend, Jason Lewis (Smith Jerrod) where she is his manager.

The movie is narrated by Carrie herself and is about her & her friends love stories (the getting in love - getting out of love). The highlight is the marriage-to-be of Carrie with Mr Big (Chris Noth) which just got 'big to bigger'.

There is lots of twists & turns in this love drama, showing how the lives of 4 friends of 40 year olds (& decently rich) living in New York city (Samantha flys to see them often).

Academy Award winner, Jeniffer Hudson plays Louise, the personal assistant of Carrie.

Why You Should Watch This Movie
If you are in love with the series, this is like a TV drama on big screen. Or if you would like to see a glimpse of a New Yorker (not sure if it's real enough) or you are a fan of New York itself. Of course, you'll need to like love drama movies.

Why Not
It's just too mushy and draggy. It feels like paying to watch the TV series on silver screen. And the storyline is just a showcase of their lifestyle - you are like sitting aside and seeing them in their everyday lives. There's not much build up apart from the wedding-to-be, which was okay. But after that, the film just continues to drag and though it does serve a purpose to show of a get-back of love, but for movie-wise, it becomes boring.

Conclusion & Movie Rating
2.5 stars for such a highly anticipated movie. If this movie is without the series backing, it most probably will flop in theaters along with other love movies.

Ayat Ayat Cinta - Verses of Love

Synopsis (with info from Ayat Ayat Cinta site).
Ayat Ayat Cinta is an Indonesian mellodrama movie but with a lil twists where Islamic virtues are protrayed in this love story. This movie revolves areound the virtuous Muslim protagonist who overcomes all obstacles of life maintaining pure ideals.

Fahri bin Abdillah (Fedi Nurli) is a poor, intelligent student who wins a scholarship to complete his graduate degree at Egypt's esteemed Al Azhar University. Very disciplined and dedicated by nature, Fahri embraces his life in Cairo, completing his studies and translation of religious books with full enthusiasm, exactly according to pre-determined targets.

He has another target too - that is to get married. But this becomes slightly difficult as he mentions that his religion doesn't allow dating. And even more so when there are so many girls who are sworn over by him.

The most distinctive - Maria Girgis (Carissa Putri), an open-minded Christian neighbour who is attracted to the teachings of the Holy Al Quran.

Then there is Nurul and Noura, but he eventually married the rich daughter - German Turkish, Aisha (Rianti Cartwright).

Things begin to get complicated when he marries Aisha with cases like he going to jail, court proceedings and more.

Why You Should Watch This Movie
If you would like to see and learn the positive side of Islam through a movie. This movie imparts knowledge on reasons for Islamic values (eg on polygamy, handling situations in times of uncertainty, and many more) - giving a better idea and maybe even clearing the mind on the often misunderstood religion.

Also, this movie is uniquely set in Cairo with quite breathtaking views.

Why Not
The never ending twist & turns in the movie - a lil too many towards the end. The movie could have ended at certain points, but to allow more drama, the ending became prolonged.

Conclusion & Movie Rating
This movie is worth the money for those interested in Asian cinema and Indonesian films, despite its poor ending.

3 stars.



Apparently, this movie is based by best-selling novel with the same title by Habiburrahman El. Shirazy.

Forbidden Kingdom

Synopsis
This English script, comedy-fiction of Forbidden Kingdom movie sees an American teenager, Jason (Michael Angarano - Will And Grace, Lords of Dogtown, Seabiscuit), who loves kung fu fighting being transported into ancient world China.

His mission - to free the Monkey King from the spell of the evil Jade Warlord. The Monkey King was cast into a statue and will only be freed with the weapon held by Jason.



Jason is lucky as he is helped first by Lu Yan (Jackie Chan - Drunken Master, Rush Hour) and also an orphan girl by the name Golden Sparrow (Yifei Lui). They were later joined with the Silent Monk (Jet Li - Fearless, The One, Once Upon A Time In China).

Jackie Chan


Jet Li

The movie shows the journey and bond of friendship of the 4 different characters - the drunken happy-go-lucky Lu Yan who were most times at loggerheads with the Silent Monk. And to help himself, Jason went to learn kung fu by the two masters with different techniques.

Why You Should Watch This Movie
If you are a kung fu fan, this movie is one of the must watch of all times - where 2 kung fu movie legends battle it out. It's the first time both Jet Li and Jackie Chan battle on screen.

It of course also shows the comedy hero Jacky Chan in a lil different drunken role, but still funny vs the on screen serious Jet Li.



More - the action choreography is done by Wo Ping who also did for The Matrix and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.

Chinese and Hong Kong movie buffs will also enjoy this film as it has a little bit of Chinese influence, despite this being an international English movie.

Why Not
Though not fully a slapstick comedy, the storyline is rather lame and at times a lil too fictitious. Some may also find the jokes may be a lil silly at times too.

The CGI effects are also not too inspiring as to what we've seen around nowadays.

And if you expected much more action between the 2 kung fu legends, one may leave a lil dissapointed as there is only one scene between them. If they played a good and evil, then that may be better.

Conclusion & Movie Rating
If you are a fan of Hong Kong/ Chinese movies style or a fan of Jackie Chan or Jet Li, or even a kung fu fan, then go watch this - you'll definitely enjoy it.

Or if you put a lower expectation, then this maybe a good watch. Just don't hope too much.

Otherwise, there are other better movies around.

3 stars.

Escape From Huang Shi

This movie apparently has 2 titles - another which is called Children of Huang Shi.

Synopsis
This true story is a sweeping but intimate story set against war-torn China during the Japanese occupation in the late 1930’s. The film revolves around an English war journalist George Hogg (by Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers), an American doctor-nurse Lee Pearson (by Australian actress Radha Mitchell) and the leader of a Chinese partisan group 'Jack' Chen (by Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat).



George, trapped in China met 'Jack' Chen who helped and saved his life. Along the way, he also meets and falls in love with Lee Pearson. She apparently is also attracted to 'Jack', though the love story is not much of the highlight.



He together with Lee and also 'Jack' helped bring together and save a school of orphaned children, leading them on an extraordinary and ambitious journey for months across hundreds of miles of treacherous terrain, through snow-covered mountains and an unforgiving desert.

Along the way they discover the true meaning of love, responsibility and courage.

Why You Should Watch This Movie
Set in olden day China, the remake scene of Shanghai is awesome and full of grandeur. It was very real, even so the Japanese Headquarters. The sceneries across the Silk Road is another eye soothing experience.

Plot wise, this heart-warming true story is inspiring as it shows how the West & East work together for a common vision - that is to help the children. Without any experience, the journalist managed to groom the children to farming and learning English.

The war scenes are very real and shows what China went through during that period. Hisotry if learnt this way would be much more interesting and fun.

Fans of Chinese actor, Chow Yun Fat will be quite happy with his rather comfortable English now as well. Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Radha Mitchell played their roles well as well, especially Jon for soaking into his role from first terrified and scared to later a hero to the children.

Why Not
If you are a big fan of the actress who made a big star in Hong Kong and one of the most famous Bond girls, Michelle Yeoh, you'll be quite disappointed. Playing the role of a rich opium merchant, Madame Wang, her role in this movie was rather small. Clearly, the stars were the other three.



Conclusion & Movie Rating
This production is worth every cent if you are keen to be inspired yet have an enjoyable watch.

4.5 stars

The Trailer

The Other Boleyn Girl

The Plot (edited from The Other Boleyn Girl, Sony Pictures)
Based on the best-selling novel by Philippa Gregory, The Other Boleyn Girl is an engrossing and sensual tale of intrigue, romance, and betrayal set against the backdrop of a defining moment in history.

Two sisters, Anne (Natalie Portman) and Mary (Scarlett Johansson) Boleyn, are driven by their ambitious father and uncle to advance the family’s power and status by courting the affections of the king of England (Eric Bana).

Leaving behind the simplicity of country life, the girls are thrust into the dangerous and thrilling world of court life – and what began as a bid to help their family develops into a ruthless rivalry between Anne and Mary for the love of the king. Initially, Mary (the younger of the 2 in the movie) wins King Henry’s favor and becomes his mistress, bearing him an illegitimate child.

But Anne, clever, cunninng, and fearless, edges aside both her sister and Henry’s wife, Queen Katherine of Aragon, in her relentless pursuit of the king. Despite Mary’s genuine feelings for Henry, her sister Anne has her sights set on the ultimate prize; Anne will not stop until she is Queen of England.

As the Boleyn girls battle for the love of a king – one driven by ambition, the other by true affection – England is torn apart. Despite the dramatic consequences, the Boleyn girls ultimately find strength and loyalty in each other, and they remain forever connected by their bond as sisters.


Why You Should Watch This Movie
The plot is very well built up and gives good insight on how things were done in the palace then. It also shows how terrible sex and lust can cause even a King to fall from grace, and the things that can happen when too much power is wielded onto someone. The greed of power is shown through the siblings father, Sir Thomas Boleyn.

If you are into old England and are into history then this movie is for you. the setting is well done with the costumes and all resemble closely to the time, just like the other old England movies on the monarch.

Why Not
This is an adaptation of the novel, and even the novel may not necessarily be accurate. It has actually gained a fair bit of criticism especially on grey matters which have no concrete proof.

The ending is a lil abrupt though it didn't affect the movie much but it finished a lil too quickly. And there is a fair bit of head chopping although the scenes are not shown.

Conclusion
This is a worth your monies - definitely will be in the eyes of the jury of the Oscar awards. 4 Stars.

August Rush

First, before you guys say that this movie is a bit old for a cinema review (as the DVD is already out), well this is because the movie is only making its rounds here in Singapore now :)

The Plot
This Academy Award nominee is about a young boy who is in an orphan's home, and has not seen since his parents since birth. However, Evan Taylor (Freddie Highmore) seems to knows that his parents are alive somewhere and can connect with them by listening to the music around him.

There is flashback in between showing how his parents were connected, and are musicians themselves. It starts with the parents first meeting each other and knowing one another, before a turn of events see them being seperated, before the baby was born. And their child was given away without even the mum (Keri Russell) knowing about it - a move done by her dad - making her believe that the child died at birth.


However, she has always imagined of her son and hence the flashback continues on nearer and nearer and finally seeing the present lives of all 3 - father (Johnathan Rhys Meyers), mother and son.

The son in the meantime is in his own journey - running from the orphanage's home into big busy and bustling city of New York. He face challenges of making new friends and then running away from them as they are to cheat his money, and finally ending up in a church where he gets to be schooled for music. His talent is so great that he has his very own concert!


Why You Should Watch This Movie
If you are into dreams come true, this movie is a good fairytale story. This movie also has a good happy ending - a must for some movie goers.
Most of all, if you are into music, this movie will definitely touch your heart - from learning how to experience music, be inspired like the lil boy does, and simply get connected to it and through it.

The music scores are great as well (is also nominated in the Oscar Awards for Best Song).

Conclusion & Overall Rating
A good movie for a laidback time, especially on a stressful day. Besides it does have a feel good theme to it.

3.5 stars.

Secret Sunshine

The Plot
This 2007 Korean movie is making its rounds in the arts circuit. Filmed & named after a place in Korea, Milyang, this movie sees a single mum life's journey.

After losing her husband, Shin-ae (Do-yeon Jeon) shifted to her former's husband's hometown with her son. She made good attempts at adopting to a new life and making new friends despite some were sceptical of her.


However, one day, her son is kidnapped & killed. From there onwards, her life takes a dramatic turn and her emotions swing. She found Christianity to help her but eventually fall out from it.

Why Watch This Movie
If you are a Korean movie fan, or if you are an art fan. It will also appeal to those who want to know more on Korean's culture, especially of a smaller town compared of that to Seoul.


It may also be worthwhile to watch the superb acting for Cannes Film Festival 2007's (Best Actress) - Do-yeon Jeon, which reminds a lot of Jodie Foster's movie roles. In fact all the actors here played their parts well, including Kang-ho Song (playing a bachelor who is in love with her) and her young playful son.


However, it's 'hanging' ending despite a build up in the story may leave some very unhappy audience, even the ones who love art films.

Conclusion & Overall Rating
2.5 stars.



Update:
Secret Sunshine has won Best Film, Best Director (Lee Chang Dong) & Best Actress (Jeon Do Yeon) in the Hong Kong's 2nd Asian Film Awards.

10000 BC

10000 BC is an epic movie of prehistoric days. The director known for his use of visual effects (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow), Roland Emmerich once again uses stunning visual effects in the movie.


The Plot
The film follows D'Leh (Steven Strait), a young mammoth hunter who is the son of a hunter that abandoned the village. He grows up rather lonely as his friends do not want to mix with him, except for Evolet (Camilla Belle). The village lives mainly through hunting, and no farming.

Hence when a mammoth herd was to come, the men hunters were to kill it for food & survival. D'Leh did this though his fight was a mere coincidence, as he couldn't let go from the net actually. Hence, although he was given recognition for his bravery, he declined it later.

Later, the village was ambushed and kidnapped many of his tribe mates and Evolet to be used as slaves. The journey then begins with D'Leh with the help of Tic Tic (Cliff Curtis) following the signs to save and rescue Evolet plus their tribe mates. He goes into a world beyond his, learning about the other tribes with different cultures and the big wide world - from jungle to the desserts.

In between he learns about his father and his role that is to not only save Evolet, but also to help all the other tribesmen who have been kidnapped as well by the make-believe gods, who were creating a huge pyramid.

Why Watch This Movie
For its stunning visual effects & cinematography. The top views at the mountains are stunning. And the visual make up of the pyramid is astounding and looks very real.

Even the scenes fighting the huge mammoths all seem very real.

Conclusion & Overall Rating
This movie has set high standards based on its publicity, but fall short on its rather simple & straight forward storyline. Still this is a good watch for movie buffs with time to spare.

2.5 stars